As most of us know by now traditions are crucial to culture, as they bring a sense of continuity, belonging, and connection. They play an important role in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it, while also providing a foundation for social cohesion and emotional well-being. Traditions are a valuable asset as they foster a sense of inspiration or a means for the current generation to celebrate the same experience as previous generations.
Belgium is a country known to captivate many with its distinctive allure, while seamlessly weaving together a rich historical legacy. From its renowned culinary delights to its lively festivities, Belgian culture embodies a deep-rooted heritage shaped by a vast majority of diverse influences. Let's explore more into some of these unique traditions that define life in Belgium.
Celebrating Sinterklaas
One of the most treasured traditions in Belgium is the celebration of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) on December 6th. Sinterklaas is primarily celebrated in the Dutch-speaking regions of Flanders. As opposed to Santa Claus, Sinterklaas arrives on a white horse, accompanied by his helper, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete- whose face appears all black from the soot in the chimneys as he slides down to deliver presents). Children will leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to find all sorts of goodies like chocolates, candies, and small gifts by the next morning. This celebration usually focuses more on the joy of giving than on extravagant gifts, which makes it a more heartfelt tradition and celebration.
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| Sinterklaas & Zwarte Piet |
Carnival of Binche
Rather than the floats and bead-throwing of Mardi Gras, the town of Binche in Wallonia embraces a centuries-old spectacle. Over three days leading up to Ash Wednesday, locals take to the streets in colorful costumes, wearing wax masks and carrying woven willow twigs. The highlight of the festival is the parade of the legendary ‘Gilles’—clown-like figures dressed in red, yellow, and black attire, wooden clogs, and ornate masks. Moving to the rhythmic beat of drums and violas, they perform a ritual dance that has remained a cherished tradition since the 14th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest surviving carnivals.
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| Carnival of Binche |
The Meyboom Vendetta
Each year on August 9th, Brussels upholds the centuries-old tradition of planting the ‘tree of joy,’ or meyboom, before 5 p.m.—a deadline steeped in pride. Failure to do so would mean forfeiting the honor to Leuven. This ritual traces back to the early 13th century, when Brussels residents, in the midst of wedding festivities, successfully repelled an attack from the Leuvenaars and marked their victory by planting a young beech tree in celebration.
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| Meyboom Vendetta |
Festival of Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand
Every last Sunday of February, the Flemish city of Geraardsbergen comes alive with the twin celebrations of Krakelingen and Tonnekensbrand. Krakelingen refers to the traditional donut-shaped bread, thousands of which are tossed into the crowd during the festivities. This ritual dates back to 1381, when the city’s residents, besieged by enemy troops, defiantly threw bread and fish over the walls to prove they had ample supplies—a bold move that, unfortunately, did not work.
Tonnekensbrand marks the festival’s fiery conclusion, with a wooden barrel set ablaze to signal the transition from winter to spring. Between the bread-throwing and the symbolic flames, revelers partake in unique traditions—including sipping wine from a goblet containing a live fish—making this festival a remarkable blend of history and folklore.
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| Festival of Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand |
Beer Culture
Belgium’s beer culture is a source of immense pride, with a brewing tradition that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the country boasts around 1,500 varieties of beer and 261 breweries, where craftsmanship is carefully passed down through generations. According to the Brewers of Europe, the average Belgian enjoys approximately 459 glasses of beer annually—testament to a legacy deeply ingrained in Belgian life.
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