Halle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mohamed Rayane, among all the contestants, obtained the design victory for the Halle Maria procession poster in Halle. Rayane pursued Graphic Media studies at the Don Bosco College located in Halle while attending. “A great start to my career as a graphic designer.”
Mohamed Rayane from Don Bosco College Halle and a close relative of Remco Evenepoel won the Maria procession poster competition for Halle. Here in 2022, the procession carries exceptional meaning because it marks Halle’s 800th-year celebration. The poster created by Rayane serves as the official declaration for the event, which will include special celebrations on Sunday during Pentecost.
He is happy that his poster was selected:
“I feel very honored that I won,”
Says Mohamed.
“It is a good start of my career as a graphic designer. Making logos and designing posters are my thing.”
Halle celebrates its 800th anniversary by holding major events, including the main event, which is the Maria procession. Pentecost Sunday, June 8, promises the procession’s return with its tour covering major Halle areas beginning from Possozplein and ending at Beestenmarkt and Maandagmarkt after visiting Grote Markt.
Mohamed was not raised Catholic, but the Maria procession is not an unknown phenomenon for him either.
“If you go to school in Halle, sooner or later you will hear something about the procession. When we got the assignment during class, I thought it would be fun to get started with the Maria procession.”
What is the history of the Maria Procession and Marian Devotion in Halle?
The tradition of the Maria procession has existed in Halle for many generations, and residents identify this event as a central part of their cultural heritage. The procession came back after six years of absence in 2024 as a sign of increasing community participation. Halle celebrates its 800th anniversary with city-wide events while using the procession to observe religious traditions.
Leading up to the procession, the city is hosting several related events, such as the ‘Open Warehouse Day’ for those interested in the behind-the-scenes preparations. A new float for the procession will illustrate a historic local miracle when fishermen received a divine rescue in 1405. The Basilica of Halle attracts pilgrims who travel from several specific geographic areas, thus proving the importance of the event to wider regional audiences.
The participation of students and their involvement in creating posters shows how modern creative thinking enhances traditional religious celebrations. The successful entry from Rayane by Halle’s annual poster competition will appear front and centre to show how the historic Maria procession continues while starting anew.
