Procession of Saints Crispin and Crispian

Celebrate the feast of Saints Crispin and Crispine, the patron saints of the Shoemakers’ Guild. We warmly invite visitors to Archeon who wish to relive and experience the Middle Ages to join us in a festive parade, also known as a procession. The start time is listed in the daily program.

If you’d like to join the parade, please report to the Brothers in the monastery 15 minutes before it begins. We’re looking for children who’d like to help carry the banners of the Shoemakers’ Guild and other guilds. The flags of our town, Gravendam, will also be carried. A few parents may serve as Brothers. We’re also looking for adults who can sing to add to the splendor of the procession. Before the procession begins, we’ll put on medieval costumes over our modern clothes, go over our roles, and hold a singing rehearsal.

During the procession, the Brothers sing the Litany of All Saints. Today, this litany also includes the Latin names of Saint Crispin (Saint Crispinus) and Saint Crispian (Saint Crispinianus).

After the procession, each participant receives a small medieval treat.

For more information about the Friars’ Choir, visit www.minderbroederskoor.nl

Background Information

Saint Crispin and Saint Crispian were brothers who had traveled from Rome to Soissons in France. During the day, they preached the Gospel in the city. In the evenings, they worked as shoemakers.

As Christians, they refused to participate in the so-called imperial cult (offering sacrifices to the emperor, who was thereby regarded as a god). For this reason, they were persecuted, tortured, and ultimately put to death by the sword.

Because they remained faithful to their beliefs to the very end—following Jesus, who also paid with his life—they were venerated as martyrs and saints. Since they were shoemakers, they are often depicted holding shoemaking tools. They were also tortured with these tools (see image below left). As a result, they have become the patron saints of leatherworkers and shoemakers. Their official feast day is actually October 25. In Gravendam, the Friars Minor have the custom of celebrating the feast on the Sunday closest to October 25.

Free admission with the Museum Card and Friends Lottery VIP Card.
Program subject to change.

Reserve your visit here.