Belgium Events and Festivals

Belgium is home to hundreds of festivals, pageants and carnivals throughout the year.

Carnival
Celebrated throughout Belgium for three days between February and March, this fantastic festival leaps out of the 16th century into the modern age. Highlighted by music parades and fireworks, the climax of this event is when the Gilles appear on Brussels’ Grand Place and throw oranges to the spectators. In addition to Brussels, the towns of Binche, Malmedy and Stavelot are also particularly special places to celebrate. This infamous festivity has been classified by UNESCO along with its renowned Gilles.

Festival van Vlaanderen
This is one of Belgium’s biggest events. Top classical and international music performances, dance and theatre are held from April to October in churches, abbeys, town halls and other historical venues throughout Flanders and Brussels. Most of the events take place during the summer between July and September. www.festival.be/

Procession of Holy Blood (Brugge)
Since the year 1150, the historic city of Brugge has been attracting thousands of visitors to one of the greatest religious pageants in Europe, the Holy Blood Procession. The relic of the Holy Blood was brought to Brugge by the Count of Flanders in 1149. Since then, the relic has been venerated by a mile-long procession of 1,500 Brugge citizens; many in colourful medieval attire carry the relic through town in a beautiful procession that re-enacts scenes from the Bible through the coming of Christ and His Resurrection to the return of the Count of Flanders to Brugge. Except for being in hiding during the two World Wars the relic has never left Brugge and is kept in the Basilica of Saint Basil in the Burg Square. Spaces along the route of the procession should be reserved well in advance through the Tourist Office in Brugge: +32 50 44 8686.

Zinneke Parade (Brussels)
The Zinneke Parade, also known as Big Z-Day, is a lively street opera of music, dance, costumes and floats - all done without combustion engines or deafening music. The theme of the parade changes each time. www.zinneke.org/site/index.php3 

Festival van Vlaanderen) (see April listing)

Ducasse of Mons (Doudou) 
This folkloric event takes place June 11, 2006; June 3, 2007; and May 18, 2008. It is known for being one of the oldest events of this kind in Belgium. Every year enormous crowds invade the town of Mons. The whole city participates and assists Saint Georges riding on horseback with eight chinchins to protect the city from the horrible dragon. 

Festival van Vlaanderen (see April listing)

Belgium National Day
Celebrations on 21 July include a military procession in the Parc de Bruxelles in Brussels as well as various parades and fireworks throughout the country.

Ghent Festival (Ghent) 
Every year in July the inhabitants of Ghent go out of their mind during the medieval Ghent festivities, a ten day popular event like no other. People sing, dance, eat, drink, get together and watch theatre. Free feasts take place on several squares where the lovely inner-city turns into a whirlpool of cultural high tech and atmosphere. www.gentsefeesten.be/english/

Ommegang Festival (Brussels) 
Find yourself transported to 1549 in this wild and wonderful festival! Every year in early July, the lavish Ommegang procession commemorates the tribute paid to Emperor Charles V and his VIP guests. Vibrant costumes, decorated horses, embroidered banners, flag throwing and stilt jousting constitutes this big event which ends in general jubilation all around the Grand Place. Reservation of tickets can be made via email: a.sas@brusselsinternational.be 

Festival van Vlaanderen (see April listing)

Formula One Grand Prix (Adrennes)
For four days Formula One racing takes place during the last week of August at Circuit de Francorchamps, near Spa in the Adrennes.

Meyboom at Brussels 
Brussels' oldest folklore tradition takes place August 9th with a brass band procession and giant puppets. The cross bowmen of Saint-Laurent erect a May tree at the intersection of two streets (Rue du Marais and Rue des Sables) as a reward for a feat of arms in the 14th century.

Giants of Ath 
On the fourth weekend of August, the "Ducasse" festivities take place in Ath's historical centre. For a few days, the whole town is vibrant with enthusiasm for its traditions and folklore. On Saturday, after Goliath's wedding, the giant fights against the shepherd boy David. On Sunday, there is a procession with several giants, floats and picturesque groups going through the streets of the city.

Festival van Vlaanderen (see April listing)

Brussels Beer Weekend
During three days in September the Grand Place hosts a multitude of stands offering the opportunity to discover some of the best Belgian beers brewed by many small, medium and large Belgian breweries. Entrance is free and beer prices are very reasonable. Many other events such as jazz bands, brass bands and activities for children entertain the happy crowds.

Open Monuments (Journees du Patrimoine)
On selected weekends in September, Belgium opens a handful of protected monuments to the public in what are known as Heritage Days. Different impressive buildings are selected each year. These events usually fall on the second weekend in September for monuments in the countryside and on the following weekend for those in Brussels.

Festival van Vlaanderen (see April listing)

Christmas Beer Festival
The Objective Beer tasters Essen Region (OBER) organizes its Christmas Beer Festival every year. For two days visitors can taste more than 100 Belgian Christmas and winter beers. To let you judge the different brews at best, generous sized tasting glasses are used. A glass can be obtained for a small fee, but if you return it when you leave, you get a full refund. However, lots of glasses are kept as souvenirs.

New Year’s Day 1 January
Easter March/April
Labour Day 1 May
Ascension Day 40th day after Easter
Whit Monday 7^th Monday after Easter
Festival of Flemish Community 11 July*
National Day 21 July
Assumption Day 15 August
Festival of Walloon Community 27 September**
All Saints’ Day 1 November
Armistice Day 11 November
Christmas Day 25 December

* Celebrated in Flanders only
** Celebrated in Wallonia only