Ommegang procession

The Hanswijk Cavalcade occupies a special place in Mechelen's rich tradition of processions and pageants. The Hanswijk Cavalcade only takes place once every 25 years, unlike the annual Hanswijk Procession. What distinguishes the cavalcade and makes it special is the large number of horses used as mounts and draught animals.

Another noteworthy event is the 'Ommegang', which traditionally rounds off the Hanswijk Cavalcade. Among the figures making up the Ommegang are a family of giants, Ros Beiaard and Opsinjoorke. The family of giants feature on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.