Many steps are thus placed under the patronage of Saint Roch (Thuin, Ham-sur-Heure, Châtelet, Acoz ...) who would have interceded on behalf of the populations during the plague epidemics of the 17th century.

These groups perpetuated the traditions by preserving a military aspect to the escorts and by equipping them as best they could with uniforms (of the First and Second Empire and the Belgian Garde Civique) and firearms.

The colour and its escort, most often made up of young children wearing officers' uniforms, are placed between the majors and the firing party.

The main role of the firing party of platoon or squad size is to make the powder speak during the discharges (bursts) in honor of the saint or of the personalities receiving the procession.

Whatever the form, the breaking of the glass constitutes, in all cases, a swearing in, a personal commitment of each officer vis-à-vis folklore, the heritage of his land, a promise to strive to maintain traditions in their true value.

In the presence of many Marcheurs, the mayor and the aldermen, each officer raises his glass, of beer or of "goutte", called a "misérable" at this occasion (because it lacks a foot), empties it at once and throws it violently at his feet.

The fifteen marches included on the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage take place in the following localities:[3]