15 Famous Festival Of Belgium You Must Experience In 2024

Belgium, a country known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable chocolates, also boasts a vibrant and diverse festival scene. The Festival of Belgium is a kaleidoscope of cultural events, traditional festivals, music and dance extravaganzas, national celebrations, and delightful food and beer festivals.

Belgium takes pride in preserving its age-old traditions; several festivals pay homage to its cultural roots. The country has a thriving music and dance scene, and its festivals are a testament to its love for rhythm and movement. It also takes its national celebrations seriously, marked by pomp, pageantry, and strong patriotism. Belgium's culinary heritage is as rich as its cultural history, and its beer and food festivals are a testament to this gastronomic excellence.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Belgium's festival calendar, highlighting 15 of the best festivals you should consider attending.

List Of 15 Most Popular Festival Of Belgium

Belgium's cultural tapestry is woven with the threads of history, art, and tradition, and its festivals provide a vivid reflection of this heritage. Let's dive into some of the most enchanting cultural festivals that Belgium has to offer.

• Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) | A Festival of Arts and Revelry
• Ommegang Festival | Step into the Past
• Kunstenfestivaldesarts | Elevate Your Senses
• International Puppet Theater Festival | Strings and Stories
• Binche Carnival | Unmasking Tradition
• Ducasse d'Ath (The Giants' Parade) | In the Company of Giants
• Procession of the Holy Blood | A Sacred Journey
• Cat Parade (Kattenstoet) | Purrfectly Entertaining
• The Meyboom | Planting History
• Tomorrowland | Enter the Fantasy
• Couleur Café Festival | Groove to the World
• Belgian National Day | Cheers to the land of chocolate, waffles, and beer
• Belgian Beer Weekend | Raise a Glass
• Belgian Chocolate Festival | Chocolate Dreams
• Belgian Food Truck Festival | Street Food Extravaganza

1. Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) | A Festival of Arts and Revelry

The Ghent Festival, Gentse Feesten, is a vibrant showcase of Belgian cultural events. Held in July, it transforms Ghent into a lively hub of activity. This traditional festival is a part of the Brussels festival calendar and is one of the standout traditional festivals in Belgium. It features an eclectic mix of street performances, live music, theatre, and a carnival atmosphere that brings people from all over to celebrate Belgian culture.

• Location: Ghent
• Major Attractions: This lively festival transforms Ghent into a bustling cultural hub with street performances, live music, theatre, and a vibrant carnival atmosphere. It's one of Europe's largest city festivals.

2. Ommegang Festival | Step into the Past

In July in Brussels, the Ommegang Festival is a historical extravaganza that transports you back in time. It's a remarkable part of Belgium's national celebrations. This festival vividly represents traditional festivals in Belgium, featuring knights in shining armour, colourful processions, and splendid pageantry.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: The Ommegang Festival is a historical reenactment that takes you back to the 16th century. Witness colourful processions, knights in shining armour, and splendid pageantry in the heart of Brussels.

3. Kunstenfestivaldesarts | Elevate Your Senses

The Kunstenfestivaldesarts, held in May in Brussels, is a contemporary arts festival highlighting the Belgian cultural events calendar. It showcases cutting-edge theatre, dance, and visual arts worldwide, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: A contemporary arts festival, Kunstenfestivaldesarts showcases cutting-edge theatre, dance, and visual arts worldwide, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

4. International Puppet Theater Festival | Strings and Stories

This festival, celebrated in September just across the Belgian border in France, near Belgium, is a unique addition to the Belgian cultural events scene. It celebrates puppetry, offering enchanting and thought-provoking performances that captivate audiences.

• Date: September
• Location: Charleville-Mézières (just across the Belgian border in France)
• Major Attractions: This festival celebrates the art of puppetry, featuring performances that are both enchanting and thought-provoking.

Read more: Places To Visit In Belgium

5. Binche Carnival | Unmasking Tradition

The Binche Carnival, taking place in February or March, is a UNESCO-recognized event and a cherished part of traditional festivals in Belgium. It's an extraordinary celebration where Gilles, dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, throws oranges to the crowd, creating a unique and lively spectacle.

• Location: Binche
• Major Attractions: The Binche Carnival is a UNESCO-recognized event known for its Gilles, men in elaborate costumes and masks who throw oranges at the crowd. It's a unique and lively spectacle.

6. Ducasse d'Ath (The Giants' Parade) | In the Company of Giants

In August, the Ducasse d'Ath in Ath showcases giant figures and creatures in a parade that celebrates folklore and tradition. It's a prominent example of traditional festivals in Belgium and a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its heritage.

• Location: Ath
• Major Attractions: Watch enormous giants and fantastic creatures parade through the town in a celebration of folklore and tradition.

7. Procession of the Holy Blood | A Sacred Journey

In May or June, Bruges hosts the Procession of the Holy Blood, a solemn religious procession dating back to the 13th century. It's a significant event that combines historical reenactments with religious symbolism, drawing visitors from all over.

• Date: May/June
• Location: Bruges
• Major Attractions: This solemn religious procession dates back to the 13th century and features historical reenactments and religious symbolism.

8. Cat Parade (Kattenstoet) | Purrfectly Entertaining

Ypres' Cat Parade, held in May, is a whimsical festival celebrating cats with a playful parade featuring giant cat-themed floats, costumed characters, and more. It's an unusual but delightful part of Belgium's traditional festivals.

• Location: Ypres
• Major Attractions: This quirky festival celebrates cats with a playful parade featuring giant cat-themed floats, costumed characters, and more.

9. The Meyboom | Planting History

The Meyboom Festival in Brussels, celebrated in August, is a unique tradition where a tree is planted at the intersection of two streets, accompanied by a lively procession. It's a local tradition that adds to the charm of the city's cultural events.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: Witness a unique tradition where the Meyboom tree is planted at the intersection of two Brussels streets, accompanied by a lively procession.

10. Tomorrowland | Enter the Fantasy

Tomorrowland, hosted in July in Boom, is one of Belgium's premier music and dance festivals. It's an essential part of the music and dance festivals Belgium offers, attracting top DJs and music enthusiasts worldwide to revel in its electronic dance music extravaganza.

• Location: Boom
• Major Attractions: Tomorrowland is one of the world's premier electronic dance music festivals, attracting top DJs and music enthusiasts from across the globe.

11. Couleur Café Festival | Groove to the World

Brussels' Couleur Café Festival in July celebrates diversity through music. It's a standout among music and dance festivals of Belgium, offering a vibrant blend of world music, reggae, hip-hop, and more.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: Celebrating diversity through music, Couleur Café offers a vibrant blend of world music, reggae, hip-hop, and more.

12. Belgian National Day | Cheers to the land of chocolate, waffles, and beer

Belgian National Day, observed on July 21 nationwide, is a significant part of Belgium's national celebrations. It includes military parades, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere throughout the country to commemorate Belgium's heritage.

• Location: Nationwide
• Major Attractions: Celebrate Belgium's national day with military parades, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere throughout the country.

13. Belgian Beer Weekend | Raise a Glass

The Belgian Beer Weekend, held in September in Brussels, is a delightful addition to Belgian beer and food festivals. Visitors can sample an extensive array of Belgian brews, showcasing the country's rich beer culture.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: Belgium is renowned for its beer, and this weekend festival lets you sample an extensive array of Belgian brews.

14. Belgian Chocolate Festival | Chocolate Dreams

Happening in February in Brussels, the Belgian Chocolate Festival is heaven for chocolate lovers. It's a key event among Belgian beer and food festivals, offering the finest Belgian chocolates, workshops, and a deep dive into cocoa.

• Location: Brussels
• Major Attractions: Indulge in the finest Belgian chocolates, attend workshops, and explore the world of cocoa at this delightful festival.

15. Belgian Food Truck Festival | Street Food Extravaganza

Various cities in Belgium host the Belgian Food Truck Festival throughout the year. It's a unique event among Belgian beer and food festivals, where gourmet dishes from food trucks give traditional Belgian cuisine a modern twist, tantalising taste buds.

• Location: Various cities
• Major Attractions: Savour gourmet dishes served from food trucks, offering a modern twist on traditional Belgian cuisine.

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Whether you're a music enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Belgium's festival calendar has you covered. So prepare your bags, engulf yourself in the celebrations, and make lifelong memories. Explore the Festival of Belgium with Adotrip and make your travel dreams come true. Don't miss the chance to be part of these incredible celebrations. Book your trip now, and let the festivities begin!

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Festival of Belgium

Q1. What are the most famous and culturally significant festivals in Belgium?
A1. Belgium's most famous and culturally significant festivals include the Ghent Festival, Binche Carnival, and Ommegang Festival, showcasing Belgian heritage and traditions.

Q2. How can I experience the traditional music and dance festivals in Belgium?
A2. Immerse in traditional music and dance festivals in Belgium by attending events like Tomorrowland in Boom and Couleur Café Festival in Brussels.

Q3. What are the best food and culinary festivals to attend in Belgium?
A3. Savour Belgian cuisine at the Belgian Chocolate Festival in Brussels and the Belgian Beer Weekend, highlighting Belgium's best food and culinary festivals.

Q4. Which cities host the most exciting and traditional carnival celebrations?
A4. Cities like Binche, Aalst, and Stavelot host exciting and traditional carnival celebrations, offering a lively and authentic Belgian experience.

Q5. What are the top film festivals and arts events to attend in Belgium?
A5. Explore top film festivals and arts events in Belgium, such as the Brussels Film Festival and Kunstenfestivaldesarts in Brussels.

Q6. How can I celebrate traditional Belgian holidays and cultural festivals?
A6. Celebrate traditional Belgian holidays and cultural festivals by joining nationwide events like Belgian National Day on July 21.

Q7. What are the best places to enjoy Belgian folklore and traditional arts?
A7. Immerse in Belgian folklore and traditional arts in places like Bruges, known for the Procession of the Holy Blood.

Q8. Are there any unique and regional festivals worth attending in Belgium?
A8. Discover unique regional festivals in Belgium, like Ypres' Cat Parade (Kattenstoet) and Ath's Ducasse d'Ath (The Giants' Parade).

Q9. What are the top beer and chocolate festivals in Belgium?
A9. Don't miss Belgium's top beer and chocolate festivals, including the Belgian Chocolate Festival and Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels.

Q10. How can I plan a visit to coincide with Belgium's Tomorrowland and Gentse Feesten celebrations?
A10. Plan your visit to coincide with Belgium's Tomorrowland in Boom for EDM enthusiasts or the vibrant Gentse Feesten in Ghent for a cultural extravaganza.