Discover Belgiums Most Vibrant Festivals: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Celebrations

Festive Belgium: A Guide to the Country’s Most Vibrant Festivals

Belgium, a small yet diverse country in Western Europe, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. But perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Belgian culture is its vibrant festival scene. From colorful parades to lively music events, Belgium offers a wide array of festivals that celebrate its traditions, culture, and diversity. In this guide, we will explore some of the most vibrant festivals in Belgium, giving you an insight into the country’s festive spirit and providing you with all the information you need to plan your visit.

The Carnival of Binche

One of Belgium’s most famous and unique festivals, the Carnival of Binche, has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Held in the town of Binche, located in the Walloon region of Belgium, this carnival has a history dating back several centuries. The highlight of the festival is the “Gilles,” who are the main characters of the event. Dressed in elaborate costumes and wearing wax masks, the Gilles march through the streets of Binche, throwing oranges into the crowd as a symbol of good luck. The carnival takes place over several days, with various events and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The Carnival of Binche is a must-see for anyone visiting Belgium in February. The spectacle of the Gilles, accompanied by drummers and other carnival participants, is truly a sight to behold. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, who come to witness this unique cultural event. If you are interested in experiencing the Carnival of Binche, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as hotels and guesthouses in Binche fill up quickly during this time.

Key Information:

• Date: The Carnival of Binche takes place in February each year, leading up to Shrove Tuesday.
• Location: Binche, in the Walloon region of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• The Gilles, with their distinctive costumes and wax masks.
• Throwing of oranges for good luck.

• Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the Gilles procession.
• Consider wearing warm clothes as the festival takes place in February and the weather can be chilly.

Ghent Festival

If you’re looking for a mix of music, arts, and gastronomy, the Ghent Festival is the perfect event for you. Held annually in the city of Ghent, this festival spans ten days and attracts over a million visitors from all over the world. The festival features music performances across various genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical. There are also art exhibitions, street theater performances, film screenings, and a wide variety of food stalls offering delicious local and international cuisine.

The Ghent Festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with the entire city coming alive with excitement. The main stage is set up on the Korenmarkt square, where visitors can enjoy live music performances by both local and international artists. In addition to the main stage, there are several smaller stages spread throughout the city, hosting performances by up-and-coming musicians and bands. The festival also includes colorful parades, fireworks displays, and a grand closing ceremony.

Key Information:

• Date: The Ghent Festival takes place in July each year.
• Location: Ghent, a city in the Flemish region of Belgium.
• Highlights:



• A wide variety of music performances across different genres.
• Street theater performances and art exhibitions.
• Delicious food stalls offering local and international cuisine.

• Check the festival program in advance to plan your visit and make sure not to miss your favorite performances.
• Explore the city of Ghent beyond the festival grounds, as it offers beautiful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.

Tomorrowland

Considered one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world, Tomorrowland attracts thousands of music lovers from all corners of the globe. Held annually in Boom, a small town near Antwerp, Tomorrowland offers a spectacular lineup of renowned DJs and electronic music artists. The festival is known for its impressive stage designs, immersive decorations, and incredible light shows.

Tomorrowland offers a unique experience for festival-goers, with themed stages, interactive art installations, and a lively atmosphere that keeps the crowd dancing from day to night. The festival takes place over two weekends in the summer, giving attendees the opportunity to choose the dates that suit them best. Tickets for Tomorrowland sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to secure your spot well in advance.

Key Information:

• Date: Tomorrowland takes place over two weekends in July each year.
• Location: Boom, near Antwerp in the Flemish region of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• A lineup of renowned DJs and electronic music artists.
• Impressive stage designs and immersive decorations.
• Incredible light shows.

• Plan your accommodation in advance and consider staying in nearby cities such as Antwerp or Brussels.
• Follow the festival’s dress code and let your creativity shine through your outfit.

The Ommegang Pageant

The Ommegang Pageant is an annual historical reenactment held in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. This festival celebrates a historic event that took place in 1549 when Emperor Charles V and his court visited Brussels. The pageant reenacts the grand procession that welcomed the emperor and showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Belgium.

The Ommegang Pageant features over 1,400 participants, including horsemen, musicians, dancers, and actors, all dressed in elaborate costumes representing different historical eras. The procession marches through the streets of Brussels, ending at the Grand Place, where a spectacular performance takes place. The festival also includes music concerts, theater performances, and various other activities that transport visitors back in time.

Key Information:

• Date: The Ommegang Pageant takes place in July each year.



• Location: Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• A historical reenactment of a grand procession.
• Elaborate costumes representing different historical eras.
• Music concerts and theater performances.

• Arrive early to secure a good spot along the procession route.
• Take the opportunity to explore the historic city of Brussels and visit its iconic landmarks such as the Atomium and the Manneken Pis.

The Gentse Feesten

The Gentse Feesten, or the Ghent Festival, is a ten-day cultural festival held annually in the city of Ghent. With its origins dating back to the 19th century, this festival is one of the oldest and largest cultural events in Europe. It attracts over two million visitors every year, who come to enjoy a diverse range of music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

The Gentse Feesten takes place in various locations across the city, including parks, squares, and historic buildings. The festival offers a packed program of performances, with over a thousand artists performing on over 10 stages. From rock and jazz to classical and electronic music, there is something for everyone at the Gentse Feesten.

Key Information:

• Date: The Gentse Feesten takes place in July each year.
• Location: Ghent, a city in the Flemish region of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• A diverse range of music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
• Over a thousand artists performing on over 10 stages.

• Check the festival’s official website for the program and plan your visit accordingly.
• Explore the city of Ghent during the festival, as it offers beautiful architecture, picturesque canals, and a vibrant cultural scene.

The Flower Carpet of Brussels

The Flower Carpet of Brussels is a biennial event that takes place in the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels. This stunning floral display covers an area of over 1,800 square meters and is created using nearly one million begonias. The Flower Carpet is meticulously designed and installed by a team of horticulturists, who spend hours arranging the flowers to create intricate patterns and designs.

The Flower Carpet enjoys a different theme for each edition, with designs inspired by various cultural and artistic elements. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to admire the vibrant colors and intricate details of the floral masterpiece. The Flower Carpet of Brussels is a true testament to Belgium’s horticultural expertise and creativity.

Key Information:

• Date: The Flower Carpet of Brussels takes place every two years in August.
• Location: Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• A stunning floral display covering an area of over 1,800 square meters.
• Nearly one million begonias arranged into intricate patterns and designs.
• A different theme for each edition, inspired by various cultural and artistic elements.

• Visit the Flower Carpet in the evening, when it is beautifully illuminated.
• Combine your visit to the Flower Carpet with a tour of the Grand Place and other iconic landmarks in Brussels.

The Doudou of Mons

The Doudou, also known as the Ducasse de Mons, is an annual festival held in the city of Mons, located in the Walloon region of Belgium. This festival is recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The highlight of the Doudou is the Lumeçon, a dramatic reenactment of the fight between St. George and the Dragon.

The Lumeçon takes place on Trinity Sunday and involves a procession through the streets of Mons, culminating in a battle between the procession participants and the dragon. The aim is to knock off the dragon’s head, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The Lumeçon is a spectacle not to be missed, with its medieval costumes, traditional music, and dramatic atmosphere.

Key Information:

• Date: The Doudou takes place on Trinity Sunday each year.
• Location: Mons, in the Walloon region of Belgium.
• Highlights:
• The Lumeçon, a dramatic reenactment of the fight between St. George and the Dragon.
• A procession through the streets of Mons, culminating in a battle.
• Medieval costumes and traditional music.

• Arrive early to secure a good spot along the procession route.
• Take the opportunity to explore the historic city of Mons and its iconic landmarks such as the Belfry.

In Conclusion

Belgium’s festive spirit comes alive through its vibrant festivals. From the color and tradition of the Carnival of Binche to the electric atmosphere of Tomorrowland, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a music lover, history enthusiast, or simply want to immerse yourself in Belgian culture, these festivals offer a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the festive side of Belgium!

If you want to learn more about the festivals in Belgium, you can visit Festivals in Belgium on Wikipedia.