top of page
20233009 Koningstoernooi155_edited.jpg

Events

The Yearly Celebrations

King's/Queen's Tournament 

Every year, on the last Saturday of September, people of all ages gather for the King's and Queen's Tournament — an exciting and festive event held in honour of Saint Michael.
Deeply rooted in our local traditions, this historic tournament blends competition, camaraderie, and joyful celebration like no other.

Participants compete using a 16th-century ruleset to determine the best fencers of our guild. The tournament is as challenging as it is prestigious, with fencers vying for the highly coveted titles of King and Queen. The winners are granted special privileges for one year.

Families, friends, and visitors are all welcome to enjoy a day filled with entertainment, tradition, and meaningful connections among kindred spirits.

After the final bout, the guild gathers at the Chapel of Saint John for a celebration in honour of our patron, Saint Michael. The day concludes with a brotherly feast — a fitting end to a day steeped in honour, history, and fellowship.

SMG koningstoernooi 2024 (146 van 243)_e
DSC_0022_edited.jpg

Commemoration

The Commemoration is a cherished annual tradition in which the guild honours its departed members, keeping the memory of our loved ones alive.
This profound ritual takes place in the cathedral of Antwerp during late autumn — a season that naturally evokes reflection and the fleeting nature of life.

During the ceremony, candles are lit, stories are shared, and songs are sung in remembrance of those who came before us. It is a time to honour the past, to grieve, and to find comfort in community.

At the close of the Commemoration, guild members gather for a brotherly meal — a moment of togetherness and quiet celebration of lives once lived.

More than a time of mourning, the Commemoration is an expression of connection, consolation, and gratitude — a celebration of memory, legacy, and the enduring bonds that unite us.

© 2025 Sint-Michielsgilde Antwerpen vzw
 
bottom of page