Horse Charges Crowd at Sainte-Rolende Festival, Several Injured

A rider lost control of his horse during the traditional Sainte-Rolende procession in Gerpinnes, Belgium, on Sunday evening, causing the animal to charge into a crowd of approximately 1,500 people and leaving at least 10 injured. The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, May 24, on the Place des Combattants during a ceremonial musket volley, according to RTBF.

Background: A UNESCO-Recognized Tradition

The Sainte-Rolende procession is an annual three-day folkloric and religious event held over Pentecost weekend in Gerpinnes, a municipality in the province of Hainaut, Wallonia. It is part of the “Marches de l’Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse,” which were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. The tradition dates back to the 8th century, with participants wearing Napoleonic-era uniforms and marching to the rhythm of fifes and drums. The procession covers approximately 35 kilometers on foot, beginning with a dawn mass in the early hours of Pentecost Monday.

Two Incidents on Sunday

Sunday’s main incident was preceded by an earlier event. Earlier that afternoon, in the nearby locality of Hymiée, a horse approximately 20 years old died during a ceremonial musket volley, with the circumstances still under investigation.

Hours later, during the main evening festivities, a rider participating in the ceremonial “décharge” lost control of his horse on the main square. The animal bolted into the crowd, striking multiple people. Five ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and victims were transported to regional medical centers.

Mayor Julien Matagne of Gerpinnes described the injuries as appearing superficial. “I speak with great caution, but a priori, these are only superficial injuries,” he told RTBF. Télésambre reported that the horse “crossed the crowd, hitting several people in its path according to initial testimonies.”

Immediate Safety Measures

In response to the incidents, Mayor Matagne took swift action, banning all riders from remounting for the remainder of the 2026 Sainte-Rolende festivities. He also announced plans for a short-term meeting to review safety protocols.

“It’s a tradition to have riders and horses that are well involved, integrated into the folklore,” Matagne said. “We are planning a short-term meeting to rediscuss how we can continue our beautiful folklore in complete safety.”

Despite the disruptions, the procession continued as planned on Monday morning, with the traditional 35-kilometer pilgrimage proceeding on foot — though without mounted riders. The mayor expressed optimism about the weather, noting, “Let’s see the positive side, then.”

Balancing Tradition and Safety

The incident has raised questions about how to preserve the authenticity of the UNESCO-recognized tradition while ensuring public safety. Horses have long been an integral part of the Sainte-Rolende, with riders participating in ceremonial volleys and processions. The event has grown significantly in recent decades, from approximately 1,200 marchers to around 4,000 participants today, placing increasing pressure on logistics and safety management.

The mayor’s promised review could result in permanent changes to how horses are integrated into future editions of the festival. Similar discussions have taken place at other traditional events across Europe where animal participation has been reevaluated in light of modern safety standards.

What to Watch For

Several questions remain unanswered. The exact medical status of the injured has not been officially released by hospitals, and the cause of the first horse’s death in Hymiée is still under investigation. The specific safety measures that will result from the mayor’s review have yet to be determined, and it remains unclear whether the incidents will have any lasting impact on the event’s UNESCO recognition or long-term organization.

For now, the 2026 Sainte-Rolende continues — a testament to the deep-rooted cultural significance of this centuries-old tradition in the heart of Wallonia. As the community processes Sunday’s events, the focus will be on finding a path forward that honors both heritage and safety.