Belgium: Facts & Stats

CULTURE

Traditions:

Belgium is a country in Northwest Europe. Unlike many other European nations, Belgium contains primarily two distinct linguistic groups: Flemings and French speakers. Belgium is a member of the United Nations and the European Union. Belgium has its own traditions and customs that are unique.

Belgium is famous for its extensive selection of beer. Furthermore, the well-known Belgian frites (chips), the Flemish fries. The main tourist areas are the coast, the Ardennes, the Kempen and the art cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. Belgians take pride in preparing their foods from the best possible ingredients. As a result, many top-rated restaurants are Belgian. Belgian women will also go out of their way in order to ensure that the family will have a better meal. A traditional Belgian dish is mussels served with French fries, moule frites. Belgian chocolates and beer brewing are other major traditions.

Celebrations:

Ommegang Festival - Brussels
Take a seat on the tiered stands or lean on the low barriers and find yourself transported to 1549. Every year in July, the lavish Ommegang procession commemorates the tribute paid to Emperor Charles V and his VIP guests. Richly-colored costumes, horses, embroidered banners, flag throwing and stilt jousting - this big event inevitably ends in general jubilation all around the Grand Place.

Carnival de Binche - Binche
For 3 days in February the town of Binche is transported back to the 16th century for a fantastic festival. Highlighted by music parades and fireworks, the climax of this event is when the Gilles appear on the Grand Place and throw oranges to the spectators. This infamous festivity has been classified by UNESCO along with its renowned Gilles.

Stavelot (Mid-lent Carnival) - Stavelot
This spectacular event takes place in March and is highlighted by the Blanc Moussi, which means ‘clad in white.’ Beginning on Sunday, the Blancs Moussis wander the streets of the town putting up their irreverent posters. In the afternoon they step out from the cortège while staying on their floats and shower the crowds with confetti while flogging them with pork bladders.

Zinneke Parade - Brussels
The Zinneke parade, also known as Big Z-Day, has been appearing biennially on the streets of Brussels since the year 2000. It is a street opera of music, choreography, costumes and floats - all done without combustion engines or deafening music.

Alcohol:

Legal age for consumption in public places is 16 years. Legal age limit for purchasing alcohol is also 16 years.

Sports and Hobbies:

The location of Belgium on the Atlantic coast determines its climate as mild and humid in the winter and cool in the summer. Extreme heat and cold are rare here, which creates wonderful conditions for organizing active holidays in all seasons. The seaside is a famous swimming and sailing destination, while the gentle landscape is ideal for walking and cycling tours. Numerous opportunities for active leisure time are present in the larger cities as well, where state-of-the-art sports facilities provide entertainment and physical exercise for everyone.

Horse riding in Belgium is a memorable experience. Whether you ride around Brussels, along the scenic coast of Flanders or in the lush woodlands in French speaking Wallonia, there are ample horses riding treks to choose from. The paths of the projects RAVeL and TARPAN are also accessible for riders, ensuring tranquility and relaxation in the clean air and beautiful surroundings. Many riding clubs and centers are scattered throughout Belgium – mainly around Brussels, Bruges and in Wallonia.

Belgium is a great place to go canoeing or kayaking with the dense network of rivers and canals, surrounded by forests and green hills. These activities can be practiced all year round and can be combined with other adventure activities, as well as with visiting important cultural sites.

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