The wonder of Belgium. Closer than you think.

"Every summer this tiny hop-growing village near the French border transforms its historic farmhouses, church and lanes into an open-air gallery where over sixty visual artists and twenty-five poets display new work under the 2026 theme Gemene Wegen."

Kunstenfestival Watou

"A rare genuinely free four-day world-music festival held on the village green of Boechout, Sfinks Mixed has built its reputation on adventurous global programming, a vibrant world market, and a dedicated Kidz Village that make it one of Flanders' most inclusive summer gatherings."

Sfinks Mixed

"Since 1644, hundreds of hooded penitents in brown robes carry heavy wooden crosses through the medieval streets of Veurne in one of the only Flemish penitential processions to survive the French Revolution, bringing Biblical tableaux to life with horses, choirs, and 900 costumed participants."

Boetprocessie Veurne

"Dozens of domestic and foreign giants gather each August at this small seaside village near De Haan for one of Flanders' most festive annual giant rallies, filling the streets with costumed carriers and folk music."

Reuzenfeest Wenduine

"Born in 1975 in a quiet farming hamlet in the Flemish hills, this beloved folk, roots, and world music festival transforms Dranouter each August into a warmly international village gathering celebrated for its eco-conscious ethos and intimate rural atmosphere."

Festival Dranouter

"A 15th-century UNESCO-inscribed giant-walking ducasse in which seven enormous costumed figures, including the legendary Goliath and his bride, parade through this small Hainaut town in a spectacular folkloric cortège."

Ducasse d'Ath

"A traditional four-day village ducasse in this Charleroi commune village, running from Friday to Tuesday with communal meals, a funfair, and local markets on the village square."

Ducasse de Frasnes-lez-Gosselies

"A classic Liège-area village kermesse on the Rue Saint-Bernard, combining a lively brocante, traditional fricase matinale, and local street animations in a tight-knit Verviers community."

Kermesse Saint-Bernard de Lambermont

"Every last Thursday of August, a thousand costumed figurants escort Dendermonde's three UNESCO-recognised guild giants Mars, Goliath, and Indiaan through a three-hour dancing ommegang that ends in fireworks and a final triumphant dance before the giants are put to rest for another year."

Reuzenommegang Katuit Dendermonde

"For over 45 years the tiny village of Rêves has gathered its community for a four-day ducasse at the end of August, showcasing convivial Walloon village life at its most authentic."

Ducasse de Rêves

"Wetteren's nameless giant couple, first documented in parish records in 1622 and among the oldest surviving giants in Flanders, parade once a year through the village streets at kermis time in a tradition that has rolled on for over four centuries."

Reuzen op Wetteren Kermis

"The ducasse of this small Bons-Villers village anchors the community across a long weekend with its traditional Tour di Villé walk, the Poul'Pop festival, and sporting tournaments."

Ducasse de Mellet

"A beloved multi-day village ducasse in a small Lessines hamlet, centred on the traditional Kermesse aux boudins, fairground rides, and the costumed Apéro des Culants gathering."

Ducasse des Culants de Deux-Acren

"Andenne's own three-day free Walloon festival fills the pedestrianised town centre with concerts, street theatre, a funfair, a traders' fair, and some fifty local associations celebrating Walloon identity."

Fêtes de Wallonie d'Andenne

"Since the 15th century, Walcourt's villagers have escorted a 7 km processional route through over 40 chapels and calvaries on Trinity Sunday, accompanied by Napoleonic-uniformed marcheurs firing volleys in this UNESCO-listed folk march."

Pèlerinage Notre-Dame de Walcourt (Marche de la Trinité)