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 three days in February the town of Binche is transported back to the 16th century for one of the most fantastic festivals of the year. 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 as part of the world's cultural heritage by UNESCO along with its renowned Gilles.

Procession of Holy Blood - Bruges

This annual event takes place in May and is divided into four parts: The Old Testament, The New Testament, Historical Section, and veneration of the Holy Blood. Ever since the 12th century, the numerous brotherhoods and associations of the city of Bruges venerate and pay homage to the Holy-Blood. Still today bishops and prelates, the clergy and the civil authorities in name of the people pay tribute to the relic. Tickets for this event must be reserved well in advance.

Stavelot (Mid-lent Carnival) - Stavelot

This spectacular event takes place in March and is highlighted by the Blanc Moussi, which means ‘clad in white.’ Its origins stem from making a parody of the monks of the fifteenth century who were forbidden from celebrating the carnival after a period of excessive freedom and laziness. 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 200. It is a street opera of music, choreography, costumes and floats - all done without combustion engines or deafening music. The next Zinneke parade will take place in May 2006.

Ghent Festival - Ghent

Every year, in July, the inhabitants of Ghent go out of their mind during the medieval Ghent festivities, a ten-day popular event with no equal. People sing, dance, eat and drink, get together and watch theater. Free feasts take place on several squares where the lovely inner-city turns into a whirlpool of cultural high tech and atmosphere.