About the Boxmeerse Vaart

Origin around the year 1400

The Boxmeerse Vaart is a colourful (children's) procession that annually passes through the streets of Boxmeer. The saying goes: Pentecost early, Pentecost late: fourteen days later the Boxmeerse Vaart passes. The centrepiece of the Vaart is the large group around the relic of the Holy Blood. The Vaart originated around the year 1400.

Tradition tells that a priest doubted the conversion of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. The blood bubbled over the chalice and a drop remained on the corporal (white cloth) after the priest acknowledged his mistake. This cloth has been preserved and stored in the silver reliquary and is still carried in the Boxmeerse Vaart to this day. After all these years, the Holy Blood Procession in Boxmeer is still very much alive. Although the devotion has decreased, the tradition is still celebrated every year.

De Vaart has 3 groups that are traditionally linked to a color

The procession is opened by the Suisse with the Sambeekse Gilde, after which the Ma-ria group can be seen. In this group, the colour blue is central and the emphasis is on the veneration of Ma-ria. The blue flower basket, the blue men, the blue horn of plenty, blue noble boys and the bouquet bearers frame the group. Traditionally, a group of brides also walks in this group: the very smallest ones who are allowed to throw.

The Blood Group is of course all about the Holy Blood. The colour red is central to this group. This group is the largest. The crusaders walk at the front of this group, followed by the cross and the prayer group. Then follow the horn of plenty and the Holy Blood banner. The flower basket in the colour red, the red men, the wooden candle and the incense group walk in front of the Boxmeerse Gilde. They protect the Holy Blood that is carried under heaven. This group is concluded with the red noble boys.

The last group is the Sacrament group. In this group the Eucharist is honored. Here the color white is central. This group is opened by the black noble boys followed by the Carmel group. Then follow the ears of corn and the bread group. These refer to the bread which represents the body of Christ. The grape group refers to the wine, the blood of Christ. The Sacrament group also traditionally has a brides group. Behind that you can see the friendly Gilde van Beugen. The Tintinnabulum and the conopeum show that the church has been given the honorary title of Basilica minor. The angels are always a special appearance. The Holy Sacrament is carried under heaven by the pastor, behind that you can see the staff and the banner of the Vriendenkring/the 'Pierezuukers'. Just before the Boxmeersche Harmonie which traditionally always closes the Vaart you will find the group 'Pierezuukers'. These people have been of great value to the Boxmeerse Vaart.

Intangible cultural heritage

The Boxmeerse Vaart officially recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A tradition to be proud of! On Saturday 13 October, the Boxmeerse Vaart was officially declared National Intangible Cultural Heritage and included on the national list. This special recognition took place during the large Intangible Heritage Manifestation in Fort Voordorp in Utrecht – a day on which traditions from all over the Netherlands were in the spotlight.

The Boxmeerse Vaart received this honorable status together with the Flower Parade in Zundert and the Sint Maartenberaad in Utrecht. An international assessment committee assessed seven Dutch applications, of which three ultimately passed the selection with flying colors.

A tradition with meaning

The recognition is a huge boost for everyone who is committed to this centuries-old Boxmeer tradition. The Vaart is more than a religious procession – it is a social, cultural, historical and spiritual heritage that is deeply rooted in the community. More than 250 volunteers and countless participants contribute to keeping this beautiful custom alive every year.

An unexpected surprise

For the Boxmeer delegation, the election came as a complete surprise. During the event, the Vaart was represented with an impressive exhibition, alongside over 130 other traditions. In a room full of heritage enthusiasts, professionals and UNESCO representatives, the official recognition was pronounced by Ineke Strouken, director of the Dutch Centre for Folk Culture and Intangible Heritage (NCVIE). The surprised secretary/treasurer of the Boxmeerse Vaart, Mr. Wim Goossens, was allowed to receive the accompanying laudation and was presented with flowers by the UNESCO secretary.

What actually is intangible heritage?

Intangible heritage – also called living heritage – are traditions, rituals and customs that are passed on from generation to generation. Think of festivals, crafts, folklore and rituals that people cherish and want to preserve. Unlike tangible heritage such as buildings or paintings, intangible heritage lives in the hearts and actions of people.

By signing the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage in 2012, the Netherlands committed itself to preserving and supporting these traditions. Not by 'fixing' them, but by creating space for innovation and further development, so that each generation can re-appropriate the heritage.

Why is this important?

The Vaart is not just an event; it is the social cement of the community. It connects, inspires and gives identity to Boxmeer. This recognition is therefore not only a tribute to the past, but also an encouragement for the future. Because by cherishing and continuing to experience this tradition, we pass it on – alive and well – to the next generations.

Want to know more about intangible heritage in the Netherlands?
Visit www.volkscultuur.nl for an overview of traditions and the national register.