The original Ommegang dates back to 1377, when the relics of St. Gummarus were recognised.
Since the 19th century, Lier has put on the St. Gummarus jubilee celebrations every 25 years. Since 2015 the Ommegang is celebrated every 5 years.
The highlight of the St. Gummarus jubilee celebrations is the Lier Ommegang with the historical giants float. This consists of old Lier giants, accompanied by the mythical creatures the Camel (1513), the Elephant (1466) and the Ros Beiaard (1417). In 2022, the Lierelei is added, a combination of a sheep, an eel and a pigeon. There are also floats of the Leeuw met maagdenberg (1513), the Hellewagen (1475) and the Schip van 's Lands Welvaren (1840) and around twenty hobby horses (1513).
Formerly a religious procession, it is now primarily a historical event with thousands of extras, strong giant carriers, horses, shepherds with their sheep, musical groups, archers' guilds, and a float with the wonders of the city's patron St. Gummarus.
During the Ommegang, the city is immersed in the medieval backdrop of the age of Philip the Handsome and Joanna of Castile, the parents of Charles V. They married on 20 October 1496 in St. Gummarus Church.
The Lier Giants are among the oldest of their kind in Belgium. You can only marvel at them during processions, such as the Ommegang.
The interactive and participative Stadsmuseum presents the stories of Lier and the people of Lier. Discover the different themes and activities, also for children.