Festivals and Events
Belgium is known for having hundreds of public festivals and events. Read below to find out more about a few of the many festivals/events Belgium has to offer!
Carnival
Carnival is one of the most popular and well known festivals in Belgium. Mixing
the modern age with 16th Century culture makes Carnival highly
celebrated in Belgium. Cities known for having huge celebrations include the
capital city Brussels, Binche, Malmedy and Stavelot. The festival takes place
for three days between the months of February and March. The major event of
Carnival takes place on the Grand Palace in Brussels. The Gilles* stand on the
steps of the Grand Palace and throw oranges to the audience of spectators.
*Refer to the "Culture" tab to learn more on Gilles and what they are.
Festival van Vlaanderen
The Festival van Vlaanderen, translated to the Festival of Flanders in English,
started out as a Summer-time festival. Over time it has become a celebration
celebrated through the months of January and May. The numerous amount of
activities and events are spread out through these months. The most celebrated
activities taking place during late summer and early
fall.
The eight cities where the majority of the
celebrations are held include the following: Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent,
Kortrijk, Limburg, Mechelen, and Flemish Brabant.
Belgium National Day
(Independence Day)
Belgium was fully recognized with its independence from the Netherlands on July 21st, 1931. Much like the United States, Belgium celebrates the day they declared themselves
independent from another nation. Belgium gained permission from the European powers at the London Conference of 1830-31 to declare independence from the Netherlands. However, Belgium remained under their rule for another 100 years.
To celebrate this act, a military precession goes through the capital city of Brussels on Independence Day every year. There are also an enormous amount of festivals, parades, fireworks, and events celebrating this day throughout the country.
Formula One Grand Prix
For all of you racing fans out there you'll love this. Ardennes, Belgium is home to the Circuit de Francorchamps where for four days Formula One cars race at break neck speeds during the last week of August. The track itself was built in 1921 through the twisting and turning roads and forestry in Ardennes. The circuit raced on now, however, is the same track but only half the original length of it. This years Belgian Grand Prix takes place on August 24th and will be a breathtaking experience to watch. Not only do you get a taste of racing but also the charm and charisma of a town and stage built for history.
Christmas Beer Festival
As one of the two famous beer festivals held in Belgium, this one seems to be the most popular. While the festival only lasts a mere two days, it attracts visitors from all around the world. During these two days, visitors of the festival can taste over one-hundred brews of beer (Christmas and Winter brews). To sample these beverages, you first pay a small fee per glass, which are a decent size. If you return the glass before the end of the day, you get a full refund back. However, most people tend to keep the glasses as souvenirs.
Carnival
Carnival is one of the most popular and well known festivals in Belgium. Mixing
the modern age with 16th Century culture makes Carnival highly
celebrated in Belgium. Cities known for having huge celebrations include the
capital city Brussels, Binche, Malmedy and Stavelot. The festival takes place
for three days between the months of February and March. The major event of
Carnival takes place on the Grand Palace in Brussels. The Gilles* stand on the
steps of the Grand Palace and throw oranges to the audience of spectators.
*Refer to the "Culture" tab to learn more on Gilles and what they are.
Festival van Vlaanderen
The Festival van Vlaanderen, translated to the Festival of Flanders in English,
started out as a Summer-time festival. Over time it has become a celebration
celebrated through the months of January and May. The numerous amount of
activities and events are spread out through these months. The most celebrated
activities taking place during late summer and early
fall.
The eight cities where the majority of the
celebrations are held include the following: Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent,
Kortrijk, Limburg, Mechelen, and Flemish Brabant.
Belgium National Day
(Independence Day)
Belgium was fully recognized with its independence from the Netherlands on July 21st, 1931. Much like the United States, Belgium celebrates the day they declared themselves
independent from another nation. Belgium gained permission from the European powers at the London Conference of 1830-31 to declare independence from the Netherlands. However, Belgium remained under their rule for another 100 years.
To celebrate this act, a military precession goes through the capital city of Brussels on Independence Day every year. There are also an enormous amount of festivals, parades, fireworks, and events celebrating this day throughout the country.
Formula One Grand Prix
For all of you racing fans out there you'll love this. Ardennes, Belgium is home to the Circuit de Francorchamps where for four days Formula One cars race at break neck speeds during the last week of August. The track itself was built in 1921 through the twisting and turning roads and forestry in Ardennes. The circuit raced on now, however, is the same track but only half the original length of it. This years Belgian Grand Prix takes place on August 24th and will be a breathtaking experience to watch. Not only do you get a taste of racing but also the charm and charisma of a town and stage built for history.
Christmas Beer Festival
As one of the two famous beer festivals held in Belgium, this one seems to be the most popular. While the festival only lasts a mere two days, it attracts visitors from all around the world. During these two days, visitors of the festival can taste over one-hundred brews of beer (Christmas and Winter brews). To sample these beverages, you first pay a small fee per glass, which are a decent size. If you return the glass before the end of the day, you get a full refund back. However, most people tend to keep the glasses as souvenirs.