Veneration
From idols to influencers - Theme Year of Worship 2026
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In 2026, Zutphen will be celebrating the theme of veneration. From ancient saints and pilgrims to modern icons and idols: veneration is timeless. This themed year will bring the city’s rich heritage to life with exhibitions, walks, stories and special loans. Discover how veneration becomes visible, tangible and relevant in Zutphen. On this page, you’ll find a growing list of activities and stories centred on the theme of veneration in Zutphen. Be inspired and experience the themed year up close.
Discover the programme - From exhibitions to theatre: check out the current programme and be surprised by activities centred on the theme of veneration in Zutphen.
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Gregorian chant choir performs an atmospheric Marian Vespers
Gregorian chant choir performs an atmospheric Marian Vespers
Music
The St. Jan Gregorian chant choir from Zutphen will perform an authentic Marian Vespers service.
Sunday 11 October
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Saints & Heroes: Saint Justus, Rubens and the pilgrims
Saints & Heroes: Saint Justus, Rubens and the pilgrims
Exhibition
A spectacular highlight of the theme year: the extraordinary ‘reunion’ of the St Justus relic and Rubens’ masterpiece *Le Miracle de St. Just*,...
until 15 November
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In the footsteps of Walburga
In the footsteps of Walburga
Exhibition
The Walburgiskerk is hosting the exhibition ‘In the Footsteps of Walburga’. The exhibition is dedicated to Walburga, the woman after whom the church is named...
until 24 October
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Pilgrimage and St Walburga’s Church in Zutphen
Pilgrimage and St Walburga’s Church in Zutphen
Lecture/Debate
What drove people centuries ago to leave everything behind and set off for the Holy Land? City guide and guide at the Walburgiskerk and Lib...
Friday 16 October
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Illuminated procession to St Justus
Illuminated procession to St Justus
Heritage
On the eve of St Justus’s Day, a procession sets off from the Gallee towards the head of St Justus in the Stedelijk Museum Zut...
Saturday 17 October
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Winter evening walks
Winter evening walks
Heritage
Discover Zutphen during the atmospheric evening hours and experience its history on Winter Evening Walks, full of fascinating stories and historical scenes...
17 December, 18 December and 20 December
During this themed year, we are exploring special artefacts, rituals and stories related to veneration. For example, there are plans to temporarily bring a relic of Saint Justus from Antwerp to Zutphen, as well as a painting by Rubens from Bordeaux. Both are closely linked to the history of our town.
But veneration is not confined to the past. Even today, people give meaning to what they admire, cherish and follow. we explore this theme from various angles we it closer to home. Let we take you on a journey through research, stories and news reports that bring the theme of veneration to life time and time again.
