Since 1684, Hasselt has held the Virga Jessefeesten. The events are organised every seven years. A special feature is that every seven years the procession is completely renewed.
The procession is opened by the Civic Guard of Hasselt. This group forms the civil guard to protect the Virga Jesse statue. Following this, there will be, among others, theme groups, youth movements, dance groups, musical ensembles, and floats. There will be recitations and a lot of singing.
Everyone stands when the Virga Jesse statue passes. The effigy is carried by members of the “carriers” guild" and accompanied by members of the Brotherhood of Our Lady Virga Jesse.
The number of participants is approximately 2,500, with a noticeably large number of young people among them. The procession passes by thousands of onlookers in about 90 minutes. Many spectators are seated in grandstands or standing in the streets. These are decorated with flowers, works of art, and flags. Legends are also depicted in several places.
During the festivities, there are exhibitions, concerts, lectures, miracle plays, and the traditional Virga Jesse play.
In the year that the seven-yearly procession is held, the Virga Jesse statue travels around the city of Hasselt and its districts. The image also visits some care centres.
In 2024, the 47th edition will be held with processions on 15, 18, and 24 August. The theme is “(c)hanging” or "being (close) knit". The seven-yearly Virga Jesse Festival will take place from 11 to 25 August 2024. The next edition is in 2031.
