Belgium is a small country with a surprisingly rich festive calendar. From centuries-old carnivals recognised by UNESCO to the largest electronic music festival on the planet, every month offers a reason to celebrate. Belgian festivals blend deep history, Catholic tradition, folklore and an infectious love of life. Below is a guide to the most important events, with practical details on when and where.
The Carnival of Binche: the jewel of Wallonia
The Carnival of Binche is perhaps the most famous folk tradition in Belgium. In 2003 it was inscribed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The carnival reaches its climax on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. That is when the legendary Gilles appear: men in costumes stuffed with straw, wearing wax masks with green spectacles and moustaches. In the afternoon they don enormous ostrich-feather hats and throw oranges to the crowd, a gesture of good fortune and fertility.
The rhythms of drums and the traditional viola accompany the dancing Gilles through the streets of the town. Thousands of visitors flock in every year. A tip: feel free to pick up an orange as a keepsake, but never throw it back, that is considered an insult.
Tomorrowland: the world capital of dance music
Since 2005, the village of Boom, south of Antwerp, has transformed every summer into the epicentre of electronic music. Tomorrowland, held at the De Schorre recreation grounds, is regarded as the largest dance festival in the world. It takes place over two weekends in July and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from more than two hundred countries.
The spectacular main stages, the fairy-tale sets and its reputation for flawless organisation turned Tomorrowland into a global phenomenon. Tickets often sell out within minutes, so anyone hoping to attend should plan well in advance.
The Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place of Brussels
Every two years, in mid-August, the historic Grand-Place of Brussels is covered with a breathtaking Flower Carpet (Tapis de Fleurs). The tradition began in 1971. In just a few hours, volunteers lay down nearly half a million begonias over an area of roughly 75 by 24 metres. Each edition follows a new theme. From the balcony of the town hall you can admire the entire pattern.
Historic processions and folklore
Religious and historic processions form the heart of Belgian tradition:
- The Ommegang of Brussels (July) is a grand historical pageant that re-enacts the joyous entry of Emperor Charles V in 1549, with costumes, floats and standard-bearers.
- The Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges, held on Ascension Day, carries the relic of the Holy Blood through the city. It was added to the UNESCO list in 2009.
- The Ducasse of Mons, known as the Doudou, takes place on Trinity Sunday and was recognised by UNESCO in 2005. Its highlight is the Lumeçon: a symbolic battle between Saint George and the dragon on the main square.
- The Cat Parade (Kattenstoet) of Ypres is held every three years in May. This colourful cat parade recalls an old custom of throwing cats from the belfry, today of course with plush toys.
Summer festivals and urban traditions
Summer overflows with events. The Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) forms, over ten days in mid-July, one of the largest city festivals in Europe. Since 1843, street theatre, concerts and popular celebrations have filled the historic centre of Ghent. Music lovers head to Rock Werchter, one of the most renowned rock festivals on the continent, held every year in July at Werchter.
Finally, the Meyboom of Brussels should not be missed: on 9 August, a maypole has been planted since 1308, one of the city's oldest living traditions, also recognised by UNESCO. To experience the full festive year of Belgium, it is best to plan your trip around these dates.