13 Festivals In Belgium To Get Excited For In 2016

What comes to mind when you say Belgian festivals? Most people certainly think of the rich music festival schedule, which usually starts in April with the Groezerock and continues until late summer. Others may reference the traditional folklore carnivals or refer to an extremely varied film festival guide. But what many don’t consider is that Belgium does contain many interesting surprises when it comes to its annual celebrations. Here are our curated picks for 2016!

February

1. Anima – Brussels Animation Film Festival

Anima – Brussels Animation Film Festival

Since 1982, the most promising talents involved in animation from around the world gather to attend Anima, the Brussels Animation Film Festival. Its mission has always been to promote the best of the international computer-generated world within Belgium. Entering its 35th edition, Anima offers an impressive selection of long and short movies with a geographical focus (this year UK and Japan). It also delivers its features in an innovative format called ‘Futuranima,’ and becomes a platform for professionals and aficionados to discuss the latest in animated movie trends.

When: February 5th-14th, 2016

Where: Brussels and around Belgium

More info: http://www.animafestival.be/

Gilles de Binche, Carnaval de Binche 2013 |© hedhoodphoto/Flickr

2. Carnaval de Binche

Carnaval de Binche

Dating back to (at least) the 14th century, the Carnival of Binche is one of the most characteristic folk festivals in Belgium. For three days in February, expect to attend an extraordinary event, where confetti-littered streets will be stepped on by thousands of pierrots, harlequins and peasants, welcoming an international plethora of visitors. But beware of ‘The Gilles,’ the central male figures of this festival, who will appear on what is known as Shrove Tuesday throwing blood oranges to the crowd. The closure event takes usually place on Tuesday at 9.30 pm with fireworks.

When: February 7th-9th, 2016

Where: Binche, Belgium (Wallonia region)

More info: http://www.carnavaldebinche.be/

Cacao | © Jordi Sanchez Teruel/Flickr

3. Chocolate Festival of Mons

Chocolate Festival of Mons

Chocolate, in all its forms, is definitely one of the sweetest Belgian attractions. Therefore, if you came to Belgium to taste some of the finest chocolates in Europe, consider taking a trip to the Chocolate Festival of Mons. A chocolate-themed line-up of cookery demonstrations and interactive activities allow visitors to savor every bit of this chocolate experience. Definitely don’t miss the Chic & Chocolate Gourmet Walk: 500 meters of pure treats following the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Which will be yours?

When: March 21st-22nd, 2016

Where: Rue de la Chaussée, Mons, Belgium

More info: http://www.opt.be/informations/events-mons-chocolate-festival-in-mons/en/E/45591.html

Fred Eerdekens Our memory will live on as a pile of details (2015) for the Samuel Vanhoegaerden Gallery at Art Brussels 2015 edition | © Camilla Colavolpe

April

4. Art Brussels

Art Brussels

Once devoted to newer art galleries, the 33rd edition of Art Brussels will open its doors to feature more established galleries as well. This promising contemporary art fair will be organized this year into three parts: Discovery (displaying emerging artists), Prime (with more established ones) and Rediscovery (drawing attention to under-estimated artists of the past). Art Brussels offers an eclectic selection of events and activities as well, which will keep you entertained during the 3-day event.

When: April 22nd-24th, 2016

Where: Art Brussels, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86c, Brussels, Belgium

More info: http://www.artbrussels.com/

Festival of the Holy Blood. Girl on a horse | © Smabs Sputzer/Flickr

May

5. Holy Blood Procession

Holy Blood Procession

The Holy Blood Procession, also known as Brugge Schoonste Dag (‘the Most Beautiful Day in Bruges’ in Dutch), is an extravagant religious cortège dating back to around the 12th-13th centuries. As its denomination would suggest, originally it aimed to venerate the Holy Blood relic from the crucifixion, which was believed to be retrieved from the Count of Flanders around 1149-1150. Upon its return, the Holy Blood was then placed in a chapel that he built in the Burg Square (Basilica of the Holy Blood), where it remains today. This colorful parade, which gathers up to 45,000 spectators per year, animates the entire historic center of Bruges. The festival has also been included in the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

When: May 5th, 2016

Where: Burg Square and its surroundings, Bruges, Belgium

More info: www.holyblood.com

6. Brussels Food Truck Festival

Food Truck

Brussels Food Truck Festival

It seems as though street food has taken on a whole new dimension the past few years. With a number of food truck festivals popping up all over Europe, it is no surprise that food trucks have become very popular in the Brussels community. In May, Brussels will host its biggest food truck festival yet, where more than 60 food trucks will be expected to gather for its third edition. Ready to enjoy this massive gourmet itinerary?

When: May 6th-8th, 2016

Where: Boulevard de l’Impératrice, Brussels, Belgium

More info: http://www.brusselsfoodtruckfestival.be/

Metallica at Rock Werchter 2009 | © Christian Holmér / Flickr | © Christian Holmér / Flickr

June

7. Rock Werchter

Rock Werchter

Awarded the Arthur Award for the Best Festival in the World in 2015 by the International Live Music Conference, Rock Werchter is considered almost unanimously to be one of the biggest and most popular of the Belgian Rock music festivals. Since 1974, its stages have showcased well-known artists and bands such as U2 (1982), Iggy Pop (1987), Eurythmics (2000), Muse (2001) and Metallica (2009), just to name a few. And this year’s line-up is no exception, as acts such as Ramstein, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Florence + the Machine are set to perform.

When: June 30th-July 3rd, 2016

Where: Werchter, Belgium

More info: http://www.rockwerchter.be

2014-07-01_23-22-25_ILCE-6000_4116_DxO [Ommegang 2014] | © Miguel Discart/Flickr

July

8. Ommegang de Bruxelles

Theater

Ommegang de Bruxelles

During the first Tuesday and Thursday of July, the traditional celebration named Ommegang – which means ‘walking around’ in Old Flemish, from the Latin term circumambulation – takes the stage in the lavish setting of the Grand Place. Although the origins of the festival had religious connotations, the following centuries witnessed this aspect progressively fade in favor for the profane: at least since the Joyous entry of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1549. Jousting, theater shows and other activities will bring you back to charming medieval times.

When: First Tuesday and Thursday of July

Where: Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

More info: http://www.ommegang.be/

IMG_2372 [Tomorrowland 2014] | © Sergey Zhirnov/Flickr

9. Tomorrowland

Park

Tomorrowland

For all electronic music lovers, this entry is for you! Since 2005, a park in Flanders transforms into a colorful outdoor venue and plays host to one of the most important electronic music festivals worldwide. Come for an unforgettable, dreamy adventure full of dancing, music, lights and an unforgettable list of performers.

When: July 22nd-24th, 2016

Where: Parc de Schorre, Schommelei, Boom, Belgium

More info: www.tomorrowland.com

August

10. International Biennial of Photography and Visual Arts – Biennale de l’Image Possible

International Biennial of Photography and Visual Arts – Biennale de l’Image Possible

Now in its 10th edition, this year the International Biennial of Photography and Visual Arts will abandon its traditional themes to instead feature an entire artistic universe. If you are passionate about photography, this is the place to be!

When: August 28th-October, 2016

Where: Liège, Belgium

Info: http://www.bip-liege.org./

fiersdenosbières-32 [Belgian Beer Weekend 2014]

September

11. Belgian Beer Weekend

Belgian Beer Weekend

Organized by one of the oldest associations in the world, this beer lovers’ heaven will be hosted in the Grand Place in Brussels, where a number of stalls representing all-sized breweries will serve tasty brews bound to quench visitors’ thirst. Be sure not to miss the Ridderschap van de Roerstok der Brouwers (the Knighthood of the Brewer’s Mash Staff), where honorary knights are appointed because of their loyalty to the beer industry!

When: September 2nd-4th, 2016

Where: Grand Place 10, Brussels, Belgium

More info: http://www.belgianbrewers.be/

October

12. Film Fest Ghent

Cinema

Film Fest Ghent

Amongst a fully booked film festival calendar, what makes the Film Fest Ghent so unique is its choice to spotlight the musical influences of professional composers working in the cinema industry. In addition to its top quality movie screenings, exhibitions and concert agenda, it includes an award ceremony where it presents the prestigious World Soundtrack Awards. The awardhopes to celebrate outstanding achievements in the recording music industry.

When: October 11th–22nd, 2016

Where: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium (Flanders region)

More info: http://www.filmfestival.be/en

December

13. Christmas Beer Festival - Kerstbierfestival

Christmas Beer Festival – Kerstbierfestival

Brewed during wintertime, the Christmas beers are strong, spiced and blended with unexpected ingredients, making them a valid competitor to mulled wine. If you are passionate for the genre, don’t miss the chance of tasting the impressive beer listing offered by the Christmas Beer Festival in Essen next December!

When: December 19th-20th

Where: Heuvelhal, Kapelstraat 7, Essen, Belgium

More info: http://www.kerstbierfestival.be/ENG/
By Camilla Colavolpe

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