If you’re planning a trip to Belgium in 2023, you’re in for a treat. This small country is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. But what really sets Belgium apart are its festivals and events. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s always something happening in Belgium.
One of the most popular events in Belgium is the Brussels Jazz Weekend. This free festival takes place in May and features jazz musicians from around the world. If you’re a music lover, this is a must-see event. Another popular festival is the Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges. This religious procession takes place in May and is a unique cultural experience. Other notable events include the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in April and the Gent Festival in July. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s sure to be an event that piques your interest.
National Holidays and Celebrations
Belgium is known for its lively festivals and colorful celebrations throughout the year. From Christmas markets to processions and pageants, there’s always something happening in the country. Here are some of the most popular national holidays and celebrations in Belgium in 2023.
Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Belgium are a must-see during the holiday season. You can find them in many cities, including Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. The markets offer a variety of festive treats, such as hot chocolate, waffles, and mulled wine. You can also find unique gifts, crafts, and decorations to take home with you. The markets usually start in late November and run until Christmas Eve.
Carnivals and Festivals
Belgium is also famous for its carnivals and festivals. The Ducasse de Mons is one of the most popular carnivals in the country, held in the city of Mons. It takes place on Trinity Sunday and features giant puppets, music, and dancing. The Ommegang Pageant in Brussels is another famous festival, held in July. It features a parade of historical characters and takes place in the Grand Place.
The Belgian Pride is also an important event in the country, held in Brussels in May. It’s a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and includes a parade, concerts, and parties. Other festivals to look out for include the Battle of Waterloo Reenactment in June and the Festival of Wallonia in September.
Processions and Pageants
Belgium is home to many religious processions and pageants throughout the year. The most famous is the Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges, held on Ascension Day. It features a parade of historical and biblical characters and is followed by a religious ceremony. The Cavalcade of Herve in Wallonia is another popular procession, held in August. It features colorful floats and costumes and celebrates the history and culture of the region.
The Brussels Flower Carpet is also an impressive sight, held every two years in the Grand Place. It features a giant carpet made of flowers and is only on display for a few days. The next Flower Carpet is scheduled for August 2024.
Overall, Belgium has a rich calendar of national holidays and celebrations that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having fun, there’s always something to see and do in the country.
Music Festivals
Belgium is known for its vibrant and diverse music festival scene, attracting music lovers from all over the world. Whether you’re into rock, electronic, or cultural music, Belgium has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the best music festivals you can’t afford to miss in 2023.
Rock Festivals
Rock Werchter is one of the biggest rock festivals in Belgium, attracting over 80,000 visitors every year. The festival takes place in the village of Werchter, located in the Flemish Brabant province, and features some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music. This year’s lineup includes bands like Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Electronic Music Festivals
Tomorrowland is one of the most popular electronic music festivals in the world, held annually in Boom, Belgium. The festival attracts over 400,000 visitors from all over the world and features some of the biggest names in EDM, techno, and house music. This year’s lineup includes Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Tiësto.
Cultural Festivals
The Ghent Festival is one of the oldest and most popular cultural festivals in Belgium, held annually in the city of Ghent. The festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage and features a wide range of music, dance, theater, and art performances. This year’s lineup includes traditional Flemish folk music and modern pop and rock bands.
The Cactus Festival is another popular cultural festival held annually in Bruges, Belgium. The festival features a mix of international and local artists, ranging from indie rock to world music. This year’s lineup includes artists like Alt-J, The War on Drugs, and Amadou & Mariam.
Other Festivals
Pukkelpop is one of the biggest alternative music festivals in Belgium, held annually in Hasselt, Wallonia. The festival features a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music, and attracts over 180,000 visitors every year. This year’s lineup includes bands like Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, and The National.
In conclusion, Belgium is home to some of the best music festivals in the world, attracting music lovers from all over the globe. Whether you’re into rock, electronic, or cultural music, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the best music festivals Belgium has to offer in 2023.
Booking.comTown Festivals
Belgium is famous for its town festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. These festivals are a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and entertainment. Here are some of the must-visit town festivals in Belgium in 2023.
Binche
Binche is a small town located in the Walloon region of Belgium. The town is famous for its carnival, which is a UNESCO World Heritage event. The carnival of Binche is known for its colorful costumes, confetti, and music. The carnival takes place a few days before Lent and is a way to celebrate the end of winter. The highlight of the carnival is the Gilles, who are men dressed in elaborate costumes and masks. They throw oranges to the crowd as a symbol of good luck.
Bruges
Bruges is a picturesque town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. The town is known for its medieval architecture and canals. The town also hosts a range of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals is the Bruges Christmas market. The market takes place in the town center and is a perfect place to buy Christmas gifts and decorations. The market is also known for its delicious food and drinks.
Leuven
Leuven is a vibrant university town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. The town is famous for its beer culture and hosts a range of beer festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals is the Leuven Beer Weekend. The festival takes place in the town center and is a perfect place to taste a range of Belgian beers. The festival also hosts a range of food stalls and live music.
Stavelot
Stavelot is a small town located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. The town is known for its animated movies and hosts a range of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals is the Animated Film Festival. The festival takes place in the town center and is a perfect place to watch a range of animated movies from around the world. The festival also hosts workshops and lectures.
Aalst
Aalst is a small town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. The town is famous for its carnival, which is a UNESCO World Heritage event. The carnival of Aalst is known for its colorful costumes, confetti, and music. The carnival takes place a few days before Lent and is a way to celebrate the end of winter. The highlight of the carnival is the Gilles, who are men dressed in elaborate costumes and masks. They throw oranges to the crowd as a symbol of good luck.
Hasselt
Hasselt is a small town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. The town is known for its jenever, which is a traditional Belgian gin. The town hosts a range of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals is the Hasselt Jenever Festival. The festival takes place in the town center and is a perfect place to taste a range of jenevers. The festival also hosts a range of food stalls and live music.
In conclusion, the town festivals of Belgium are a great way to experience the culture and traditions of the country. Whether you are interested in carnival, beer, or animated movies, there is a festival for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to Belgium to experience the magic of these town festivals.
Other Events and Venues
Brussels
Brussels is a hub of cultural and artistic events. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Brussels Jazz Marathon, the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, and the Brussels Animation Film Festival.
In addition to these festivals, Brussels also has a vibrant nightlife scene with a range of venues catering to different tastes. You can check out the iconic Ancienne Belgique concert hall, or head to Fuse, a techno club that has been a staple of the city’s nightlife for over 25 years.
Gentse Feesten
The Gentse Feesten, or Ghent Festival, is a 10-day event that takes place in July and is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe. The festival features street performers, live music, food stalls, and much more. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant culture and history of Ghent.
Winter Wonders
Winter Wonders is an annual Christmas market that takes over the city of Brussels during the holiday season. The market features over 200 chalets selling food, drinks, and gifts, as well as an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel. The highlight of the event is the nightly sound and light show, which features fireworks and projections onto the facade of the Grand-Place.
Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival is a must-visit event for film lovers. The festival showcases a range of genres, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the best new films from around the world and to meet filmmakers and actors.
Brussels Animation Film Festival
The Brussels Animation Film Festival is another great event for film enthusiasts. The festival features screenings of animated films from around the world, as well as workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals.
Beers
Belgium is known for its beer, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best brews in the world. You can visit one of the many local breweries, such as Cantillon or Brasserie de la Senne, or check out one of the many bars and cafes that serve a wide range of Belgian beers.
Venues
In addition to the festivals and events mentioned above, there are plenty of other venues worth checking out in Belgium. The Max Venues in Heusden-Zolder is a popular concert hall that hosts a range of events throughout the year. The Atomium, a landmark building in Brussels, is also worth a visit for its stunning views of the city.
Fireworks
Belgium is known for its spectacular fireworks displays, and there are plenty of opportunities to see them throughout the year. The Winter Wonders festival in Brussels features nightly fireworks shows during the holiday season, and the Gentse Feesten also has a fireworks display as part of its festivities.
Culture
Belgium has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels is home to a vast collection of art, including works by Belgian artists such as René Magritte and James Ensor. The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is also worth a visit for its impressive collection of Flemish art.
Dates
Horst Music Festival: May 5-7, 2023
Extrema Outdoor Belgium: May 26-28, 2023
Jazz à Liège: May 25-28, 2023
Ronquières Festival: July 29-30, 2023
Tomorrowland: July 21-23 and July 28-30, 2023
Francofolies de Spa: July 20-23, 2023
Lokerse Feesten: August 4-13, 2023
Pukkelpop: August 17-20, 2023
Brussels Summer Festival: August 18-27, 2023
Laundry Day: September 2, 2023
Listen! Festival: April 27 – May 1, 2023
Couleur Café: June 30 – July 2, 2023
Graspop Metal Meeting: June 16-18, 2023
Werchter Boutique: June 24, 2023
Rock Werchter: June 29 – July 2, 2023
Dour Festival: July 12-16, 2023
Les Ardentes: July 6-9, 2023
Cactus Festival: July 7-9, 2023
Suikerrock: July 28-30, 2023
Reggae Geel: August 4-5, 2023
Antwerp Metal Fest: August 5-6, 2023
Leffingeleuren: September 8-10, 2023
