The last Hanswijk Cavalcade made its way through the streets of Mechelen in 1988. As this historical religious procession is only staged every 25 years, nobody can witness it more than a few times in their life. The next Hanswijk Cavalcade will take place on Sunday 25 August and Sunday 1 September 2013. Traditionally the event is rounded off with the Mechelen Ommegang, which features the family of giants recognized as UNESCO intangible world heritage.

The Hanswijk Procession, on the other hand, has made its way through the streets of Mechelen every year since 1273. On that day Mechelen's historic centre becomes the setting for a unique and colourful spectacle with hundreds of volunteers dressed in authentic costumes acting out historical and religious scenes. Since 1738 the Hanswijk Procession has celebrated its jubilee every twenty-five years in the form of the Cavalcade. The last edition in 1988 was also the millennium year of the Veneration of the Virgin Mary in Mechelen.

The Hanswijk Cavalcade is the climax of the Hanswijk jubilee celebrations, which will be taking place in Mechelen throughout the year, from October 2012 to October 2013.