Tongeren – Coronation Procession

The Coronation Festivities in Tongeren have a long tradition, with the image of grace from 1479 holding a central place. Following approval by Leo XIII, Pope from 1878 to 1903, the image was crowned on 31 August 1890.

The statue of Mary is 160 cm tall and weighs around 70 kg. Mary holds her Son on her left arm. In her right hand, Our Lady holds a bunch of grapes, which she offers to her Child. The infant Jesus has a grape in his left hand.

The procession has its roots in the Middle Ages, when pilgrimages were held. The crowning of the statue of Mary is the reason for the seven-yearly Crowning Festivals. In Tongeren, Mary is known as Our Lady Cause of Our Joy.

With over 3,000 participants, the Coronation Procession is the largest in the country. The participants show enthusiasm and devotion, and open their hearts to Mary. Most continuously sing or make music. The Coronation Procession depicts the life of Mary and also her connections with her Son. The procession has many parts, such as the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Mary, Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, the birth of Jesus, the Presentation in the Temple, the Finding in the Temple, Jesus' farewell to his mother, the Wedding at Cana, Jesus' meeting with his Mother on the Way of the Cross, the Resurrection of Jesus, and the Assumption of Mary. The statue of grace accompanies the procession, escorted by members of the archconfraternity with an honor guard. When the statue passes, onlookers stand. Applause is often heard during the procession.

Continuing the Coronation Procession, many groups participate, including the Royal Musketeers Sint Martinus from Sint-Martens-Voeren, a large flag group, a company with relics, many noble squires, countless singing maidens, an impressive group of clergy with the Holy Sacrament, and the Royal Harmony of Beverst. After the procession, the closing takes place in the basilica.

The procession travels through Tongeren over four days, each day through a different part of the city. Later in the day, there is an evening play. In addition to the procession and evening play, many activities are organised in the city, which is fully decorated with flags, flowers and images of Mary.