Festival Calendar
Folk festivals, pageants and processions, with the story behind them
Dates without the Confirmed label are calculated from the traditional rule. Check with the organiser before you travel.
February 2027
Cwârmê of Malmedy
Sun, 49 days before Easter
Walloon carnival with the Haguettes and their grabbing arm, the hape-tchâr.
Eupen Rose Monday Parade
Mon, 48 days before Easter
The main parade of the German-speaking Community on Rose Monday.
March 2027
Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand
Sun, first Sunday of March
Driving out winter on the Oudenberg, with the krakeling throw and a bonfire.
Laetare of Stavelot
Sun, 21 days before Easter
The Blancs Moussis in white hoods and long red noses parade through town.
Othala
Bezoek websiteMay 2027
Saint Evermarus Play
Sat, 1 May
Folk play about the murder of the pilgrim Evermarus, every 1 May.
Hanswijk Procession
Sun, 35 days after Easter
Marian procession on the Sunday before Ascension, since 1272.
Procession of the Holy Blood
Thu, 39 days after Easter
On Ascension Day Bruges carries the relic of the Holy Blood through the city.
Doudou of Mons
Sun, 56 days after Easter
On Trinity Sunday: the Lumecon, the fight between Saint George and the dragon.
July 2027
Ghent Festivities
Ten days of city festivities in central Ghent, since 1843. It starts on the Friday before the third Sunday of July.
Penitents’ Procession of Veurne
Sun, last Sunday of July
Penitents in brown habits carry crosses through the streets, since 1637.
Vie Feline
Bezoek websiteAugust 2027
Windmill Festival
Sat, first Saturday of August
Two-day village festival around the Heimolen windmill, with free music, food and a fair, on the first weekend of August.
Meyboom
Mon, 9 August
Every year on 9 August Brussels plants the maypole, since 1308.
Ducasse of Ath
Sun, fourth Sunday of August
The giants of Ath parade, with the fight of David and Goliath.
February 2028
Cwârmê of Malmedy
Sun, 49 days before Easter
Walloon carnival with the Haguettes and their grabbing arm, the hape-tchâr.
Eupen Rose Monday Parade
Mon, 48 days before Easter
The main parade of the German-speaking Community on Rose Monday.
Vital Element
Bezoek websiteMarch 2028
Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand
Sun, first Sunday of March
Driving out winter on the Oudenberg, with the krakeling throw and a bonfire.
Laetare of Stavelot
Sun, 21 days before Easter
The Blancs Moussis in white hoods and long red noses parade through town.
May 2028
Saint Evermarus Play
Mon, 1 May
Folk play about the murder of the pilgrim Evermarus, every 1 May.
Hanswijk Procession
Sun, 35 days after Easter
Marian procession on the Sunday before Ascension, since 1272.
Procession of the Holy Blood
Thu, 39 days after Easter
On Ascension Day Bruges carries the relic of the Holy Blood through the city.
Shine on Wheels
Bezoek websiteJune 2028
Doudou of Mons
Sun, 56 days after Easter
On Trinity Sunday: the Lumecon, the fight between Saint George and the dragon.
July 2028
Ghent Festivities
Ten days of city festivities in central Ghent, since 1843. It starts on the Friday before the third Sunday of July.
Penitents’ Procession of Veurne
Sun, last Sunday of July
Penitents in brown habits carry crosses through the streets, since 1637.
August 2028
Windmill Festival
Sat, first Saturday of August
Two-day village festival around the Heimolen windmill, with free music, food and a fair, on the first weekend of August.
Meyboom
Wed, 9 August
Every year on 9 August Brussels plants the maypole, since 1308.
Ducasse of Ath
Sun, fourth Sunday of August
The giants of Ath parade, with the fight of David and Goliath.
Othala
Bezoek websiteWithout a fixed date
These festivals recur, but not every year. The next edition is not yet set.
Whitsun Fair
jaarlijks, rond PinksterenThe Antwerp fair around Whitsun, one of the oldest in the country. The exact period varies each year.
Pageant of the Golden Tree
vijfjaarlijksQuinquennial historical pageant about the wedding of Charles the Bold in 1468.
Ommegang of Brussels
jaarlijks, datum wisseltHistorical pageant on the Grand-Place, usually in early July.
Ros Beiaard Pageant
tienjaarlijksRoughly once a decade Dendermonde carries the Ros Beiaard with the four Aymon brothers.
Virga Jesse Festival
zevenjaarlijksSeptennial Marian festival with the giant Lange Wapper.
Cat Parade
driejaarlijksTriennial parade with the throwing of plush cats from the belfry.
Hop Festival
driejaarlijksTriennial hop festival with a parade, on the third weekend of September.
Blossom Festival
jaarlijks, bloeiperiode eind aprFestivities in Haspengouw when the orchards are in blossom. The date depends on the bloom, usually late April.