Belgium Holidays: Cultural Events, Festivals & Celebrations Guide
Discover Belgium’s incredible cultural holidays calendar featuring over 2,000 annual festivals, holidays, and celebrations.
This comprehensive 2025 guide covers Belgium’s top festivals including the UNESCO-recognized Carnival of Binche, Tomorrowland electronic music festival, and unique events like the Parade of Cats in Ypres. Learn about Belgium’s 10 official public holidays, regional celebrations, and community-specific observances including National Day (July 21), Easter Monday, and regional holidays like Iris Festival in Brussels.
Explore carnival traditions with costumed parades, historical reenactments like the Battle of Waterloo, and cultural festivals including Ghent International Film Festival and Brussels Summer Festival. Find information about quirky attractions like the Celebrities Underwear Museum and the iconic Atomium in Brussels.
Get travel tips for visiting Belgium’s best cities including Brussels’ Grand Place, Bruges’ chocolate shops, Ghent’s nightlife, and Spa’s thermal springs. Discover seasonal events from Winter Wonders Christmas markets to summer beach festivals in Oostende.
Whether you’re interested in historical processions, modern music festivals, or unique cultural experiences, this guide provides essential information for planning your Belgian cultural adventure with accommodation booking tips and travel services information.
Overview of Belgian Holidays and Cultural Identity
Belgium stands as Europe’s festival capital, hosting approximately 2,000 different festivals, holidays, and processions annually. This remarkable number places Belgium firmly in the lead among European countries for cultural celebrations and events.
A Country Rich in History, Traditions, and Celebrations
Belgian culture runs deep with historical roots and carefully preserved traditions. The country’s residents value their cultural heritage immensely, leading to holidays that are rich in customs and historical significance.
These celebrations often feature mass open festivities, noisy carnivals, and elaborate processions filled with songs and dances. The Belgian approach to festivals emphasizes community participation and cultural preservation.
The diversity of Belgian celebrations reflects the country’s complex cultural identity, with influences from Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities creating a unique blend of traditions.
National, Regional, and Cultural Holiday Classifications
Belgium organizes its holidays into several distinct categories that reflect the country’s federal structure and cultural diversity. Understanding these classifications helps visitors plan their trips and appreciate the significance of different celebrations.
The country observes 10 official bank holidays celebrated nationwide, ensuring consistent recognition across all regions and communities. These national holidays form the backbone of Belgium’s official calendar.
Each of Belgium’s linguistic communities celebrates its own regional holidays, reflecting the federal structure and cultural autonomy of different regions. These regional celebrations strengthen local identity while contributing to national diversity.
Additional celebrations exist that are not considered public holidays, though some employers may grant days off for these observances. This flexibility allows for broader cultural participation while maintaining business operations.
How Public Holidays Affect Businesses and Daily Life
Public holidays significantly impact daily life and business operations throughout Belgium. Understanding these effects helps visitors and residents plan activities and travel accordingly.
On national bank holidays, most Belgian businesses close their doors, with exceptions for essential services like police stations and hospitals. This widespread closure creates a quieter atmosphere but may limit shopping and dining options.
Essential stores that remain open often operate with shorter working hours, providing basic services while allowing staff to participate in holiday celebrations. Planning ahead becomes important for visitors during these periods.
Salaried workers receive these days off with normal pay, and if required to work, must receive an alternative vacation day within six weeks. This worker protection ensures fair treatment while maintaining essential services.
When national holidays fall on weekends, workers still receive “replacement days,” maintaining the benefit of the holiday regardless of calendar timing. This policy ensures consistent holiday benefits throughout the year.
Companies may choose to close on Mondays or Fridays when holidays fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays, creating “bridge” days that extend weekend breaks. This practice enhances work-life balance while recognizing cultural celebration importance.
Top Festivals and Cultural Celebrations in Belgium
Belgium’s festival calendar offers incredible diversity, from ancient carnival traditions to modern music festivals. These events celebrate milestone historical events while providing unique entertainment experiences throughout the year.
Carnival Traditions and Costumed Parades
Belgian carnival traditions represent some of Europe’s most vibrant and historically significant celebrations. These events combine ancient customs with community participation, creating unforgettable cultural experiences.
Carnival of Binche: Oranges and UNESCO Recognition
The February Carnival in Binche stands as Belgium’s most famous carnival celebration, recognized by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. This three-day event precedes Ash Wednesday with spectacular traditions.
Celebrants wear traditional national clothes and intricate wax masks while participating in costume marches, round dances, and fireworks displays. The carnival’s most famous tradition involves participants throwing oranges at passersby.
Catching an orange during the carnival brings good luck according to local belief, while throwing one back is considered a serious insult. This unique tradition creates an interactive experience that engages both participants and spectators.
The carnival’s UNESCO recognition acknowledges its cultural significance and the community’s dedication to preserving these ancient traditions for future generations.
Laetare de Stavelot and the Blancs Moussis
The Laetare de Stavelot occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent, featuring the famous “Blancs Moussis” characters who create chaos and joy throughout the celebration. These costumed figures represent ancient carnival traditions with modern community spirit.
The Blancs Moussis throw confetti at spectators, beat bystanders with inflated pig bladders, and plaster posters around the town. These seemingly aggressive actions are part of the carnival’s playful tradition and community bonding.
This April carnival, held in both La Louviere and Stavelot, showcases the regional variations in Belgian carnival celebrations while maintaining core traditions of community participation and cultural expression.
Belgium holidays; Carnival of the Bears in Andenne
Every March, Andenne hosts its unique ursine-themed festival where dancers in bear costumes parade through the streets, creating an enchanting spectacle that delights visitors of all ages.
The costumed bears tease passersby and playfully imprison girls in a traditional ‘maiden’s cage,’ recreating ancient folklore while ensuring modern safety and fun for all participants.
The festival culminates with the King and Queen throwing 250 vintage teddy bears into the crowd from the Town Hall balcony, creating an exciting finale that children and adults eagerly anticipate.
Kattenstoet (Parade of Cats), Ypres
The Parade of Cats in Ypres occurs every three years on the second Sunday of May, originating from a historical practice of throwing cats from the bell tower to symbolize killing evil spirits or controlling cat populations.
Today’s celebration features elaborate parades with floats, bands, and dance groups, ending with a fool throwing toy cats from the belfry instead of real animals. This evolution shows how traditions adapt while preserving cultural meaning.
Participants often dress as cats, witches, or mice, creating a whimsical atmosphere that celebrates both historical tradition and modern creativity in community celebration.
Herve Cavalcade: Horses, Markets, and Easter Joy
The Cavalcade of Herve takes place every Easter Monday since 1876, featuring dozens of colorful horse-drawn carriages that parade through the town in a spectacular display of equestrian tradition.
The celebration includes children’s shows, serenades, horse fairs, and local markets, often extending across the entire Easter weekend to maximize community participation and visitor enjoyment.
This longstanding tradition combines agricultural heritage with religious celebration, creating a unique Easter experience that showcases Belgium’s rural cultural traditions.
Zinneke Parade: Brussels’ Multicultural Street Art
The Zinneke Parade occurs biennially in even years during May, described as “100% human” because it features live, unamplified music and no motorized vehicles, creating an authentic community celebration.
This Brussels festival aims to connect cultures and communities throughout the city, reflecting Belgium’s multicultural identity while celebrating artistic expression and community solidarity.
The parade’s emphasis on human-powered celebration creates an intimate atmosphere that encourages direct interaction between performers and spectators from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Historical Reenactments and National Commemorations
Belgium’s historical reenactments bring the country’s rich past to life through detailed recreations and commemorative events that educate while entertaining visitors and locals alike.
Battle of Waterloo Reenactment
Every June (specifically June 23rd-24th), thousands of reenactors in authentic period uniforms commemorate the famous 1815 battle where the Duke of Wellington defeated Emperor Napoleon I.
Visitors can learn about historical weapons, experience bivouac life, discover old recipes, and even participate in target shooting activities. This immersive experience provides education through entertainment.
The reenactment combines historical accuracy with public accessibility, allowing people to experience history firsthand while learning about this pivotal moment in European history.
Ommegang Pageant in Brussels
The annual Ommegang Pageant dates back to 1549, reenacting the first official royal visit by Charles V with incredible historical detail and community participation.
The event involves 1,400 participants in authentic historical costumes, featuring jousting, flag processions, and a traditional Renaissance village that transports spectators back in time.
This elaborate pageant demonstrates Belgium’s commitment to preserving historical traditions while creating educational entertainment that appeals to diverse audiences.
Art, Music, and Film Festivals
Belgium’s cultural festivals showcase the country’s artistic heritage and contemporary creativity, attracting international artists and audiences to world-class events throughout the year.
Ghent International Film Festival
Held in mid-October for 11 days, this festival has operated since 1974 with a primary specialization in the interaction between cinema and music, creating unique multimedia experiences.
Since 2001, the festival has conferred awards to composers who write film soundtracks, recognizing the crucial role of music in cinematic storytelling and artistic expression.
The festival’s focus on cinema-music interaction makes it unique among international film festivals, attracting filmmakers and musicians interested in collaborative artistic expression.
Anima: Brussels Animation Film Festival
Every February at the Flagey Center, Anima promotes cartoons and animated films by screening over 300 different animated movies from around the world, celebrating this diverse art form.
The festival showcases both established and emerging animation talent, providing a platform for artistic expression while entertaining audiences with creative storytelling techniques.
Anima’s international scope brings together animation artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
Brussels Summer Festival (BSF)
This huge 10-day event every August since 2002 features over a hundred concerts by international artists, theater performances, and street entertainers across various stages throughout Brussels.
The festival transforms Brussels into a vibrant cultural hub, with performances ranging from world music to contemporary acts, ensuring diverse entertainment options for all musical tastes.
BSF’s multi-venue approach spreads cultural activity throughout the city, encouraging exploration of different neighborhoods while providing accessible entertainment for residents and visitors.
Gentse Feesten: Ghent’s 10-Day Open-Air Celebration
Every summer, this 10-day open-air cultural folk festival attracts over a million visitors, featuring national and international artists performing in more than ten city squares.
The festival includes children’s entertainment and hundreds of activities, all offered free to attendees, making it one of Europe’s most accessible major cultural celebrations.
Gentse Feesten’s free admission policy ensures cultural accessibility while its diverse programming appeals to all ages and interests, creating truly inclusive community celebration.
Brussels Pride Parade and LGBTQ+ Events
Held every May, Brussels Pride serves as both a political statement for the LGBTI+ community and a major celebration, featuring musical and artistic performances alongside vibrant street parties.
The Pride Parade attracts participants and spectators from across Europe, celebrating diversity while advocating for LGBTI+ rights and social acceptance in Belgium and beyond.
This free festival combines celebration with activism, demonstrating Belgium’s progressive social values while creating opportunities for community building and cultural expression.
Tomorrowland: Belgium’s World-Famous EDM Festival
Known as the largest and most outrageous electronic music festival in the world, Tomorrowland attracts nearly half a million people over two summer weekends in Boom.
Tickets sell out quickly for this internationally renowned festival, which features elaborate stage designs, world-famous DJs, and an immersive fantasy atmosphere that creates unforgettable experiences.
Tomorrowland’s global reputation brings electronic music fans from around the world to Belgium, significantly boosting tourism while showcasing the country’s ability to host world-class events.
Unique and Seasonal Festivities
Belgium’s calendar includes numerous unique celebrations that showcase local creativity and seasonal traditions, offering visitors distinctive cultural experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Witch Dance (April 30–May 1)
On the night of April 30th to May 1st, Belgians celebrate the eve of spring and labor holidays by burning an effigy of winter during traditional witch dances that symbolize seasonal transition.
This ancient tradition combines pagan seasonal celebration with modern community gathering, creating a unique way to welcome spring while maintaining historical cultural connections.
Doudou Festival in Mons
Celebrated for a week starting May 19th, this holiday honors the victory over plague in the 14th century, featuring processions with medieval costumes and ending with a staged battle between St. George and the dragon.
The festival combines historical commemoration with dramatic entertainment, educating participants about medieval history while providing engaging spectacle for modern audiences.
Flower Carpet Festival on Brussels’ Grand Place
Held every two years in mid-August on the Grand Place, volunteers create an intricate carpet using over half a million begonias, measuring 75 meters long and 24 meters wide.
The festival includes musical concerts and sound and light shows that complement the floral display, creating a multisensory experience that celebrates both natural beauty and human creativity.
Zythos Beer Festival in Leuven
The world’s largest beer festival exclusively devoted to Belgian barley beer showcases over 600 types from 100 brewers in one weekend, celebrating Belgium’s renowned brewing tradition.
Free admission allows visitors to taste various beers and enjoy special beer dishes and workshops, making this festival accessible while promoting Belgian brewing culture internationally.
Beselare Witch Parade (Heksenstoet)
Occurring every two years in uneven years on the last Sunday of July, this event involves over 1,000 costumed characters, music, dancing, and reenactments of historical witch trials.
The parade combines historical education with theatrical entertainment, addressing dark historical periods while creating positive community celebration and cultural awareness.
International Bathtub Regatta in Dinant
Every August, a fleet of floating bathtubs with unusual decorations sails down the River Meuse, with participants required to include at least one bathtub in their seaworthy craft.
The winner receives a prize of over €10,000, making this quirky competition both entertaining and potentially profitable for creative participants willing to embrace unusual challenges.
Holy Blood Procession in Bruges
This annual religious Catholic event on Ascension Day since the 13th century involves over 3,000 participants in costumes carrying a relic believed to contain Jesus Christ’s blood.
UNESCO protected status since 2009 recognizes the procession’s cultural and religious significance, demonstrating Belgium’s commitment to preserving diverse cultural traditions.
Winter Wonders: Brussels’ Largest Christmas Market
Belgium’s most popular Christmas market features over 2 kilometers of stalls, attractions, and activities in Brussels’ heart, offering traditional, vintage, and gastronomic options for holiday shopping.
The market transforms Brussels into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from across Europe while supporting local artisans and businesses during the holiday season.
Belgium’s Official Public Holidays by Date
Understanding Belgium’s official holiday calendar helps visitors and residents plan activities while appreciating the cultural and historical significance of these important dates.
National Bank Holidays Recognized Countrywide
Belgium observes 10 official bank holidays that are recognized nationwide, ensuring consistent celebration across all regions and communities while maintaining business and government operations.
New Year’s Day (January 1) marks the beginning of the calendar year with traditional celebrations and resolutions, providing a fresh start for individuals and communities alike.
Easter Monday varies by year (April 18 in 2024, April 10 in 2025), following the Christian calculation of Easter and providing an extended weekend for religious and family celebrations.
Labour Day (May 1) celebrates workers’ rights and achievements while often coinciding with spring festivals and outdoor activities that welcome warmer weather.
Ascension Day varies by year (May 26 in 2024, May 18 in 2025), marking the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s ascension while providing a spring holiday for families.
Whit Monday also varies (June 12 in 2024, May 29 in 2025), concluding the Easter season while often providing excellent weather for outdoor celebrations and travel.
Belgium National Day (July 21) stands as the most important public holiday, commemorating Leopold I becoming Belgium’s first monarch with nationwide celebrations including the king’s televised speech.
The National Day features military and civil parades on the Place des Palais, flea markets, and fireworks, with the biggest celebrations occurring in Brussels but activities throughout the country.
Assumption of Mary (August 15) celebrates the Catholic feast while providing a summer holiday that often coincides with vacation periods and outdoor festivals.
All Saints’ Day (November 1) honors Christian saints while marking the beginning of the autumn memorial season, often involving family cemetery visits and remembrance activities.
Armistice Day (November 11) commemorates the end of World War I while honoring military service and sacrifice, featuring memorial services and historical education events.
Christmas Day (December 25) celebrates the Christian nativity while serving as the focal point of winter holiday celebrations, family gatherings, and cultural traditions.
Regional and Community-Specific Holidays
Belgium’s federal structure creates opportunities for regional and community-specific celebrations that reflect local identity while contributing to national cultural diversity.
Iris Festival: Brussels-Capital Region
May 8th (sometimes moved to weekends) celebrates democracy and freedom while marking victory against Nazi Germany and coinciding with Europe Day, demonstrating Brussels’ European significance.
The festival takes its name from the iris flower, which serves as Brussels’ regional symbol, connecting natural beauty with political and cultural celebration.
Day of the Flemish Community: July 11
This day marks the victory of the Flemish over the French in the ‘Battle of the Golden Spurs’ in 1302 while celebrating Flemish culture and linguistic identity.
Though not yet an official public holiday, the day features various events in Brussels and Flanders that promote Flemish heritage and cultural pride.
Day of the Walloon Region: 3rd Sunday of September
This celebration commemorates the Walloons’ participation in the Belgian Revolution in 1830, featuring concerts, folklore, games, food, and local drink (peket) with major festivities in Namur.
Day of the French-speaking Community: September 27
Marking the defeat of Dutch forces by Walloon revolutionaries in 1830, this day has been celebrated since 1975 with concerts, theater, and sports events that promote French-speaking Belgian culture.
Day of the German-speaking Community: November 15
This day marks the adoption of their coat of arms, flag, and colors in 1989, with many people taking the day off to spend time with family and celebrate their unique cultural identity.
Other Celebrations and Observances
Beyond official holidays, Belgium recognizes numerous other celebrations that enrich the cultural calendar while providing additional opportunities for community gathering and cultural expression.
These include Epiphany (January 6), Valentine’s Day (February 14), Veterans’ Day (April 7), Halloween (October 31), All Souls’ Day (November 2), King’s Feast (November 15), Saint Nicholas (December 6), and Second Day of Christmas (December 26).
These observances may not be official public holidays, but they contribute to Belgium’s rich cultural tapestry while providing opportunities for commercial activity and social celebration.
Must-See Attractions and Unique Experiences in Belgium
Beyond festivals, Belgium offers distinctive attractions that showcase the country’s creativity, history, and unique cultural perspective through unusual museums and iconic monuments.
Quirky and One-of-a-Kind Museums
Celebrities Underwear Museum in Brussels
This unusual museum displays underwear belonging to showbusiness celebrities and politicians, complete with certificates confirming that the garments were actually worn by these famous individuals.
The museum represents Belgium’s quirky sense of humor while satisfying curiosity about celebrity culture in an unexpected and memorable way that attracts visitors seeking unique experiences.
Atomium: Iconic Science Monument and Exhibition Space
This unique 102-meter-high structure was built in 1958 for the World Exhibition, symbolizing scientific progress through its representation of an iron atom with metal spheres connected by tubes.
The Atomium hosts exhibitions and cultural events related to technical progress while featuring a viewing platform, restaurant, and sphere specifically designed for children’s activities and education.
This iconic monument combines scientific education with architectural innovation, creating a distinctive Brussels landmark that represents Belgium’s commitment to progress and innovation.
Top Cities, Regions, and Local Highlights
Belgium’s diverse cities and regions offer unique attractions, cultural experiences, and local specialties that showcase different aspects of the country’s rich heritage and modern life.
Best Belgian Cities for Culture, Fun, and Food
Brussels: Grand Place, Mini Europe & Jazz Festival
Brussels serves as Belgium’s capital and cultural heart, featuring the magnificent Grand Place, the Mini Europe tourist complex with water parks and thermal springs, and an annual jazz festival in May.
The city combines political importance with cultural richness, offering world-class museums, diverse dining, and international atmosphere that reflects Belgium’s position in European affairs.
Brugge: Lace & Chocolate Shopping
Bruges attracts visitors with its medieval architecture while offering shopping for traditional souvenirs including fine lace at “Rococo” store and premium chocolate at “The Chocolate Line.”
The city’s well-preserved medieval center creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for exploring traditional crafts and culinary specialties that represent centuries of Belgian artisanal excellence.
Oostende: Beach Life and Seaside Attractions
Oostende features five distinct beach areas, including a buzzing beach near the railway station and a beautiful beach near Leopold II’s Villa, providing diverse coastal experiences.
The seaside location offers relaxation and recreation while maintaining easy access to Belgium’s cultural interior, making it ideal for combining beach holidays with cultural exploration.
Gent: Nightlife, Live Music, and Historic Squares
Ghent’s nightlife includes venues like Decadance club for modern music and dancing, and Damberd Jazzcafé, which has served jazz fans since 1978 in historic surroundings.
The city combines university energy with historical significance, creating vibrant cultural life that appeals to young visitors while maintaining architectural and artistic heritage.
Spa: Thermal Wellness and Natural Springs
Spa houses the Thermes de Spa, a large thermal complex featuring two giant, very warm swimming pools that allow comfortable swimming even during winter months.
The town’s name became synonymous with wellness worldwide, representing Belgium’s contribution to health tourism while maintaining natural beauty and therapeutic traditions.
Liege: Shopping and Family Fun
Liege offers shopping at Galerie Cathedrale and family recreation at the Aquarium and Zoological Garden, combining commercial activity with educational entertainment.
The city’s industrial heritage complements modern amenities, creating opportunities for diverse visitor experiences that include both cultural learning and recreational activities.
Kortrijk: Scenic Trails, Villages & Helicopter Tours
Kortrijk attracts visitors with summer hiking and cycling through green meadows and authentic villages, featuring routes like the Flax Bicycle Trail that showcase rural Belgian beauty.
Helicopter tours provide scenic aerial views of the countryside, offering unique perspectives on Belgium’s landscape while demonstrating the country’s accessibility for luxury tourism experiences.
Belgium Travel Information and Booking Services
Planning successful Belgian travel requires understanding accommodation options, transportation choices, and booking services that provide reliable support for diverse travel needs and preferences.
Hotel Booking, Car Rentals, and Travel Support
Belgium offers various hotel types including stylish, luxury, historical, famous, romantic, and extraordinary options that cater to different preferences and budgets for memorable stays.
Car rental services provide flexibility for exploring Belgium’s diverse regions, from urban cultural centers to rural countryside attractions, enabling personalized travel experiences.
OrangeSmile.com operates as an online travel reservation expert, providing reliable car rental and hotel booking services in over 25,000 destinations worldwide, including comprehensive Belgian coverage.
What to Know About Travel Categories and Sightseeing
Belgian sightseeing encompasses cultural sights, festivals, unique attractions, architecture, and monuments that represent the country’s diverse heritage and modern innovations.
Travel guides organize information by categories including attractions and nightlife, parks and landscapes, cuisine and restaurants, shopping opportunities, and practical tourist tips.
Understanding these categories helps visitors plan comprehensive itineraries that balance cultural education, entertainment, relaxation, and practical needs during Belgian stays.
Travel Tips for Culture, Cuisine, Nightlife & Shopping
Belgian culture emphasizes community celebration, historical preservation, and artistic expression, requiring respectful participation in local customs and traditions during festival periods.
The country’s cuisine features world-renowned chocolate, beer, waffles, and other specialties that deserve dedicated tasting experiences at authentic local establishments.
Nightlife varies by city, from Brussels’ international scene to Ghent’s student-focused venues, requiring research to match personal preferences with appropriate locations and timing.
Shopping opportunities range from traditional crafts like lace and chocolate to modern fashion and design, with local artisans and international brands available in different cities.