Flemish Festivals

Year-round dances, concerts, parades, celebrations, markets, fairs, and art exhibits loosen up even the most reserved Flemings. The most famous annual celebration is the Festival of Flanders, a variety of musical events that take place in major cities from April to October. In Brugge, the Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day is well worth seeing, and the Gent Festival in July is packed with events. In winter, Kerstmarkten (traditional Christmas markets) are held throughout the region. The third week of June brings Dag van Beiaard (Day of the Carillon), a celebration of bells and belfries, when chimes echo from city to city. The local tourist boards have calendars of other festive events; check while planning your visit. There are also free summer music festivals in most major cities. In August the rural village of Dranouter (near Ieper, on the French border) welcomes thousands of music lovers during the three-day international folk festival.