Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Belgium, in the northwestern part of Europe, is one of the smallest and most densely populated European countries. Belgium is a land of festivals, and all the famous festivals are celebrated here. The festivals in Belgium are vibrant and full of colour and music. It is a small yet culturally rich country with several grand festivals and events happening throughout the year. This little country is known for luring people from all over the globe with its most vivid and cheerful festivals.
10 Popular Festivals In Belgium
From the traditional festivals to the most bizarre ones, here is the list of the festivals in Belgium for each kind of traveller to enjoy:
1. Boombal Festival
Photo: BrankaVV / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This festival in Belgium attracts fellow tourists with its most appreciated folk dance. The traditional folk music, written by the best local songwriters in Belgium, is presented before the audience. Various stalls in the Boombal festival offer some of the best vegetarian cuisines. All the folk lovers from different corners of the world gather here to be a part of the traditional folk music and dance. The entire place is illuminated with colourful lights and people gather around a bonfire during the festival.
Location: Lovendegem-Lievegem, Belgium
Timings: August 20 – 23
2. Rock Werchter
Photo: Herbertkikoy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This festival was awarded the Arthur Award in 2015 for being the best music festival. This is the main festival in Belgium for music lovers and performers. The musical talents are exhibited by the maestros in love with rock music. It began in 1974 and continues to be one of the best music festivals held in Belgium. Many well-known artists have performed here, including Iggy Pop, U2, Muse, Eurythmics, Rammstein, Florence+ The Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Metallica.
Location: Werchter, near Leuven, Belgium
Timings: July 2 – 5
3. Carnaval De Binche
Photo: Kausik Paul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The carnival of Binche takes place annually in the Belgian town of Binche. This festival dates back to the 14th century and continues to be one of the most loved festivals in Belgium. This festival lasts for three days and features confetti-spread streets, harlequins, peasants, and pierrots who parade along the pathways. The closing ceremony is spectacular with the sky lit up with firecrackers.
Location: Binche, Belgium
Timings: February 23 – 25
4. Tomorrowland
Photo: Rob Young / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This festival is enjoyed by travellers from every nook and corner of the world. It is considered to be the best music and dance festival in the entire Belgium. Those who are electronic music lovers would love the mesmerising show. This festival began in 2005 and has continued to be an annual festival since then. Thousands of music admirers could be seen flocking and dancing to the tunes of their favourite performers at the concert. The musical show got international recognition attracting over 72 nationalities.
Location: Boom, Belgium
Timings: July 24 – 26
5. Salon Du Chocolat Brussels
Photo: Thaler Tamas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Belgium is well-known for its assortment of Belgian chocolates with their finest taste. One can find Belgian chocolates everywhere from local shops to the stalls at the fairs in Belgium. Salon Du Chocolat Brussels is the best Belgian chocolate festival, and anyone with a sweet tooth is welcome to attend. Here people would get an opportunity to interact with the world’s top-notch chocolate makers and also indulge in their heavenly creations. The Chic and Chocolate Gourmet Walk which is a 500 metre pathway filled with chocolate goodies and treats is a must-visit for all the chocolate lovers.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Timings: February 14 – 16
6. Bruges Beer Festival
Photo: Burgunder1983 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This festival is also known as Kerstbierfestival and is held annually during the Christmas weekend in the Essen region. Beer lovers can assemble here during the winter season to get a taste of the freshly brewed and uniquely flavoured beers. This is one of the most awaited festivals in Belgium where one gets an incredible chance to taste a range of the finest beers in all of Europe. Since its first edition in 2007, the Bruges Beer Festival has earned itself a reputation for comprising some of the finest beers from across the world.
Location: Essen Region, Belgium
Timings: January 31- February 2
7. Brussels Animation Film Festival
Photo: CharMel Creations / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is also known as the Anima Festival and takes place annually in February. Animation artists wait for this festival throughout the year to display their art to tourists and local people gathering to appreciate art. This festival aims to encourage and motivate hard-working artists to create computer-generated films and clips to entertain the audience. A variety of short and long animated movies are premiered at this festival and the animated movie fanatics gather to discuss the recent trends and updates on animation. Anima is the only festival of its kind in Belgium and always takes place during the Carnaval school holidays.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Timings: February 21 – March 1
8. Flower Carpet Festival
Photo: 阿道 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This festival attracts those who love to admire the beauty of flowers. The path leading to the famous Grand Palace is covered with millions of bright and colourful flowers that look like a magnanimous woven carpet. These lovely flowers never fail to surprise the passers-by and leave them spellbound with their beauty. A different theme is set for each year and the decorations are made accordingly. The colourful floral bed is a treat to the eyes tired of monotonous and dull everyday visuals.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Timings: August 13 – 16
9. Ghent Light Festival
Photo: Donar Reiskoffer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The liveliness of Belgium is well represented through the various festivals held here. It has the correct blend of all the different varieties of festivals for everyone. This breathtaking light festival takes place every three years in Ghent and illuminates the streets with bright and magical lights. Several light artists from different parts of the world come here to showcase their talent as light artists. Many performances and light shows take place to entertain the audience making the entire city look stunning with the various shades of colours.
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Timings: January
10. Brussels Food Truck Festival
Photo: Geoff Peters / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In recent years, the street food culture has taken a new shape in all of Europe. Various food truck festivals are celebrated all over Europe. Brussels is trying to match the trend by hosting a grand food truck festival of its own. More than 100 trucks arrive every year to serve the best of local food from several cuisines. This festival is a must-visit for food lovers in search of new food. Food explorers would find new and authentic European tastes in every bite.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Timings: June
There is an endless list of festivals in Belgium and the most awaited ones reflect the place and its culture. Travellers can explore the various shades of this rich place and its various festivities. People from all over the world travel to this destination to celebrate these different and vibrant festivals. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your tour with TripXL and have a great vacation full of festivities.
Cover Photo: Maxim Tolchinskiy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
