Cultural Processions and Ceremonies

Vibrant depictions of traditional processions, featuring ceremonial attire, historical reenactments, and cultural festivals from various European locales.

Leonhardifahrt in Murnau to honour of the holy St. Leonhard, patron saint of the horses, with many decorated carriages and horses

Swiss Guards take part in a swearing-in ceremony in San Damaso Courtyard, Vatican city.

The so-called Bergstreittag is a beautiful centuries-old tradition and is celebrated on 22 July, the church memorial day and former feast day of Mary Magdalene in Schneeberg. The four quarterly sermons introduced in 1649 remained in place until 1845. These sermons were then abolished in favour of a single day, 22 July, which fell on Mary Magdalene. The Freiberg Mining Office recommended that this day should be celebrated with a festival and a mountain parade. In 1846, the Royal Ministry of Finance issued a decree to celebrate St Mary Magdalene's Day with a sermon and a magnificent mountain procession. The last major procession took place in July 1913. The First World War put an end to these processions. The tradition was not revived until July 1933, 528th Bergstreittag, church service in St Wolfgang's Church, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany, Europe

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

BRUGES, BELGIUM, MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium, Europe

Leonhardifahrt in Murnau to honour of the holy St. Leonhard, patron saint of the horses, with many decorated carriages and horses

Feast of Corpus Christi procession in Bad Toelz, Upper Bavaria Germany

Annual traditional St. Ulrich's ride from Steingaden to the Kreuzbergkirche (church),

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

The pageant of the Golden Tree. Bruges. Belgium.

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

The ski and ice carnival in Geising is one of the highlights of the winter season in the Ore Mountains

The so-called Bergstreittag is a beautiful centuries-old tradition and is celebrated on 22 July, the church memorial day and former feast day of Mary Magdalene in Schneeberg. The four quarterly sermons introduced in 1649 remained in place until 1845. These sermons were then abolished in favour of a single day, 22 July, which fell on Mary Magdalene. The Freiberg Mining Office recommended that this day should be celebrated with a festival and a mountain parade. In 1846, the Royal Ministry of Finance issued a decree to celebrate St Mary Magdalene's Day with a sermon and a magnificent mountain procession. The last major procession took place in July 1913. The First World War put an end to these processions. The tradition was not revived until July 1933, 528th Bergstreittag, church service in St Wolfgang's Church, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany, Europe

Miners pay their respects on the Schlossplatz

Traditional costume group during the traditional Sarn Church festival in Sarntheim, Sarntaler Alps, Province of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy, Europe

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Swiss Guards take part in a swearing-in ceremony in San Damaso Courtyard, Vatican city.

BRUGES, BELGIUM, MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium, Europe

The Striezelmarkt, which has been held since 1434, is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and takes place on the Altmarkt. In 2009 the market was redesigned, a special landmark is for example the world's largest candle arch

The so-called Bergstreittag is a beautiful centuries-old tradition and is celebrated on 22 July, the church memorial day and former feast day of Mary Magdalene in Schneeberg. The four quarterly sermons introduced in 1649 remained in place until 1845. These sermons were then abolished in favour of a single day, 22 July, which fell on Mary Magdalene. The Freiberg Mining Office recommended that this day should be celebrated with a festival and a mountain parade. In 1846, the Royal Ministry of Finance issued a decree to celebrate St Mary Magdalene's Day with a sermon and a magnificent mountain procession. The last major procession took place in July 1913. The First World War put an end to these processions. The tradition was not revived until July 1933, 528th Bergstreittag, mountain parade, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany, Europe

SPAIN - L'Alacantí (district) - Valencia autonomous region - Alicante. Alicante (capital); "legión romana" en el barrio de Santa Cruz durante procesión de semana santa

Miners pay their respects on the Schlossplatz

eve of Oswaldisonntag Oswald Sunday parade tattoo with the Samson figure and band in Krakaudorf, church Krakaudorf Krakau Murtal Steiermark, Styria Austria

Maypole being raised, Prien, Chiemgau, Upper Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Elbhang Festival

Europe, Belgium, Brussels, medieval procession, Eglise St Jacques sur Coudenberg

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

Club night shift in Freiberg at the Nikolaikirche concert and conference hall

A Shime-daiko drummer with Jaagaru Eisa Group performs in an Eisa march on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21, 2022. Originating from Okinawa, Eisa started as a traditional dance performed by Japanese Buddhist monks to honor the spirits of their ancestors. Since then, Eisa has evolved into a form of modern entertainment commonly performed during the Obon Festival in the summer months.

International German Gymnastics Festival 2009 procession, standard-bearers, Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany, Europe

Swiss Guards attend a swearing in ceremony for the new Swiss Guards recruits in San Damaso Courtyard in Vatican City, Rome, Lazio, Italy, Europe

The Roland brother climbs over the town sign at the beginning of his journey, Scheid, Germany, Europe

Pilgrimage to St. Koloman near Fuessen, Allgaeu, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

13th mountain procession with mountain devotion to the Festival of Lights in Bergiesshuebel

Japan, Tochigi, Nikko, 'Grand Procession Of Toshogu Shrine, 1,000 Man Samurai Procession, Man In Costume Of Edo Era High Official, On Horseback Being Lead By Others In Costume, One Holding A Parasol With Crowds Watching.'

SPAIN - Ribera dEbre (district) - Catalonia - TARRAGONA. Armats, Via Crucis, Divendres Sant, Setmana Santa, la Palma d'Ebre, Ribera d'Ebre, Tarragona

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

The so-called Bergstreittag is a beautiful centuries-old tradition and is celebrated on 22 July, the church memorial day and former feast day of Mary Magdalene in Schneeberg. The four quarterly sermons introduced in 1649 remained in place until 1845. These sermons were then abolished in favour of a single day, 22 July, which fell on Mary Magdalene. The Freiberg Mining Office recommended that this day should be celebrated with a festival and a mountain parade. In 1846, the Royal Ministry of Finance issued a decree to celebrate St Mary Magdalene's Day with a sermon and a magnificent mountain procession. The last major procession took place in July 1913. The First World War put an end to these processions. The tradition was not revived until July 1933, 528th Bergstreittag, mountain parade, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany, Europe

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

The Gebirgsschützen at procession with traditional costumes, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Werdenfelser Land, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

Gauderfest festival with traditional costumes, Zell am Ziller, Zillertal, North Tyrol, Austria, Europe

Procession of people in costume at the Viking Festival.

13th mountain procession with mountain devotion to the Festival of Lights in Bergiesshuebel

Easter in Hollokoe, a UNESCO world heritage site in Hungary, is celebrated with Mass, a procession, and the famous dousing of unmarried girls with buckets of water.

Church service on Kappellplatz Square, pilgrimage in traditional costume, Gnadenkappelle chapel, Altoetting, Upper Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Belgium, carnaval of Binche. UNESCO World Heritage Parade Festival. Belgium, Walloon Municipality, province of Hainaut, village of Binche. The carnival of Binche is an event that takes place each year in the Belgian town of Binche during the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. The carnival is the best known of several that take place in Belgium at the same time and has been proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity listed by UNESCO. Its history

Wachablösung der Evzonen Die traditionelle Wachablösung der Evzonen vor dem griechischen Parlament in der griechischen Hauptstadt Athen, Griechenland The traditional changing of the Evzones guards ceremony in Athens, Greecegreek capital Athens, Greece *** Changing of the Evzones guards ceremony in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens, Greece capital Athens, Greece The traditional changing of the Evzones guards ceremony in Athens, Greece capital Athens, Greece

England, London, The Lord Mayor's Show, City of London Aldermen

Koetztinger Pfingstritt, one of the largest mounted religious processions in Europe, at Pentecost, Bad Koetzting, Bavaria, Germany, Europe, PublicGround, Europe

Traditionalist catholic pilgrimage

Traditional opening parade, Oktoberfest, Munich beer festival, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Young people with torches at the midsummer festival in Jurmala, Latvia, Baltic region, Europe

Procession from Panschwitz Kuckau to Hoeflein, Raeckelwitz to Crostwitz. Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades. Entrance at Raeckelwitz Castle

Michaelmas procession, Gaissach, Isarwinkel, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Bavaria, Werdenfels, Mittenwald, alp world Karwendel, festival with traditional costumes, Trachtler, beer tent

reunion of the historical national costumes of old Bavaria, Mittenwald, Bavaria, Upper Bavaria, Germany,

Solemn house rites, church service on the market square of Radolfzell on Lake Constance, Constance district, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

Miners pay their respects on the Schlossplatz

Narrensprung Ravensburg, Narrenzunft Ailingen Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht, Ravensburg, Upper Swabia, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Leonhardifahrt in Murnau to honour of the holy St. Leonhard, patron saint of the horses, with many decorated carriages and horses

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Rear view of statue of warriors in a row, Zhonghuamen, Nanjing, China

Miners pay their respects on the Schlossplatz

SPAIN - La Vega (district of Sevilla) - ANDALUSIA - Seville. Semana Santa / Holy week; "cofradía" de Monte-Sión brotherhood procession; music band

reunion of the historical national costumes of old Bavaria, festival procession, move, Mittenwald, Bavaria, Upper Bavaria, Germany,

Street religious procession, Procissao de Senhor der Infernos, Furnas, Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal, April 1964.

Belgium, Bruges, Procession of the Holy Blood, people,

Germany, Bavaria, traditions, chapel, to erect a maypole

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Procession from Panschwitz Kuckau to Hoeflein, Raeckelwitz to Crostwitz. Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Germany, Bavaria, traditions, Trachtler, to erect a maypole

Scotland, Shetland Islands, Lerwick. The Guizer Jarl elected King for the day leading the Up Helly Aa squad through the streets of Lerwick during the morning parade.

BRUGES, BELGIUM, MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium, Europe

Traditional Georgiritt, at Hub-chapel, Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

Living procession of princes at the Fuerstenzug in Dresden

Traditional Hueter festival in Perchtoldsdorf, Austria, Lower Austria, Vienna area, Perchtoldsdorf

Historic sword dance, Georgiritt, George's Ride, Easter Monday procession, town square in Traunstein, Chiemgau, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

BRUGES, BELGIUM - MAY 17: Annual Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day. Locals perform an historical reenactment and dramatizations of Biblical events. May 17, 2012 in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium

Corpus Christi procession, parade, Werdenfels, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

The procession to celebrate the Herz-Jesu Festival enters a large meadow overlooked by the Karwendel mountain range.; Austria.

Bluepshop on the blood Friday in Weingarten Württemberg annually takes place on Friday after Ascension Day in Weingarten Württemberg. It is the largest riding procession in Europe with up to 3000 riders.

church consecration festival on Oswaldisonntag Oswald Sunday , Oswaldi in Krakaudorf, men and boys in the Prangschützen uniforms white trousers with red lampas, scarlet vest, dark green tailcoat with crossed white belts and bearskin hats and armed with old muzzle loaders, go to the church for the service Krakau Murtal Steiermark, Styria Austria

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

Naga tribal group performers standing in line to welcome officials at the Hornbill Festival, Kohima, Nagaland, India, Asia

Lining up outside the Mary Immaculate parish church in Weerberg village, local people in traditional clothing, celebrate Herz-Jesu with a procession.; Austria.

Sisters Meal Festival in spring, southeast Guizhou, Guizhou, China, Asia

A Russian Orthodox Group encircle Parliament performing a ceremony to cast out evil in Kiev.

Detroit, Michigan, The Stations of the Cross are portrayed, in Spanish, on Good Friday at the Catholic Basilica of Ste. Anne. Ste. Anne was founded by French colonists in 1701. The church now serves a mostly Mexican-American community

Pilgrimage to the Oelberg chapel at Sachrang, Chiemgau, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Corpus Christi procession, Rohr im Gebirge, industrial district, Lower Austria, Austria, Europe

Every year at Easter there are about 5 processions in Lusatia, each with about 200 riders. The Catholic Church continues old Sorbian rites here. Thousands of spectators watch the impressive cavalcades

procesion marinera de la virgen del Carmen, Portinatx, Ibiza, balearic islands, Spain.

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