Veurne - Boetprocessie

Veurne was settlement in possession of the Saint Bertin Abbey in Saint-Omer. The place got fortified against Viking raids around 890.

When Veurne became a city in the 12th century, trade with England flourished, but when the relations with England came to a standstill and the city’s economy went into decline.

After Veurne was taken by Spanish troops led by Alexander Farnese, later Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, during the Dutch Revolt, Spanish influence was obviously strong.

In 1637 a local monk founded the "Sodaliteit van de Gekruisigde Zaligmaker". Since 1644 a procession is organized. Till today "penitents" dressed in rough brown clothes, heads covered by hoods, carry crosses through Veurne end of July. I know of similar processions in Spain..

Here is the very informative website:

www.boetprocessie.be/