The best parties Belgium

Actors, dancers, musicians and amateurs animate this playful and fanciful parade in the heart of Brussels. The mission of this project is to develop the creativity of the people of Brussels while bringing them together in a zany, falsely disorganised and typically local atmosphere. The Zinneke Parade consists of about twenty Zinnodes (the name given to the groups) from different backgrounds: partners from the cultural and social sector, neighbourhood committees, informal groups, artistic collectives. A zinneke? A pure inhabitant of Brussels or a dog with no breed...

In Marche-en-Famenne (province of Luxembourg), this folk carnival lasts 5 days. Its origins lie in a little fellow called Gugusse. In the procession, the famous Grosse Biesse ("big beast"), who looks like a dragon, as well as other fantastic beings such as nutons (goblins), devils and Macrâles (witches). But also the Grand Georges, the last public bellringer in Marche, and the Grand Mautchî (formerly Prince Carnaval). The festivities end with the burning of Gugusse's bag of tricks, Gille's hump and a masked ball.

Very popular in the Eastern Townships, it is renowned for its multi-day nature. Its name speaks for itself: "les jours fous" (the crazy days)! Women have the honor of opening the ball with "Women's Thursday". On this day, women take over and parade joyously through the streets. This is followed by the Sunday festivities, when Prince Carnaval receives the keys to the city, and the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which precedes Mardi Gras: the high point of the Eupen carnival, with floats, fancy dress parades...

The European institutions open their doors to the public. A variety of activities and events are organised for all ages. Firstly, there are visits to the places of power (Parliament, Berlaymont, the Commission headquarters) but also guided tours of the European Quarter, conferences, animations. This is a way of bringing the European Union closer to its citizens and bursting the so-called EU Bubble, which keeps these institutions away from even the people of Brussels who work with them every day.

The great procession Notre-Dame-des-Malades takes place on the second Sunday in September at 15 pm. Since 1092, to thank the Virgin for awarding the city of plague.

History of the Bayard Horse and the four sons Aymon.

Festival that takes place one year on two live, the other online. Next planned dates: Bruges in May and Maastricht in October.

Belgium has its National Day, the federal components, regions and communities, too, and for the youngest of the regions, Brussels-Capital, it is May 8. Called the Iris Festival (the marsh iris being the flower that adorns the flag of the region), it is spread over several days. It is the occasion for many events: concerts with local artists, animations, guided tours of Brussels' heritage, including some places that are not open to the public. Come and join the people of Brussels!