Folklore

The folklore in Brussels is still very much alive.

Manneken-Pis

The most famous Brussels is not only an integral part of Belgian heritage, but he is also dressed a hundred times a year. Through this long and unusual tradition, attention is drawn to the rich folklore of the City. Each new outfit is also accompanied by festivities, popular songs, a brass band, the Friends of Manneken-Pis,...

Manneken-Pis

Théâtre royal de Toone

The Royal Toone Theatre, in the heart of the Ilot Sacré, offers traditional puppet theatre since 1830. The location is steeped in Brussels history and culture! It also has a cafe, a workshop where puppets are made, a library and a museum.

External site Théâtre Royal de Toone

Ommegang © Eric Danhier

In the Middle Ages, the Ommegang was a religious procession. The name means 'go round a church'. The people of Brussels chose the parade as major event for the reception of emperor Charles the Fifth in 1549, who came to present his son, the future Philippe II, to our regions. Since 1930 this tradition is renewed. Each year, during two days in July, more than 1.400 participants march through the streets of Brussels and on the Grand-Place to remember this major event of the city.

External site Ommegang

Folklorissimo

Every third weekend of September, the Folklore Festival celebrates the Brussels traditions. A folk village at the Grand-Place welcomes parades, games, tastings and other activities of folklore associations. Women, youth and foreign folklore are also highlighted.

External site Folklorissimo (Facebook)

Meyboom

Each year on 9 August, the Meyboom is planted at the corner of the Rue du Marais and the Rue des Sables. In 2008, the tree was planted for the 700th time. This folklore event is also recognized by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

External site Meyboom

Throughout the year, lots of folklore events take place in Brussels, like the parade of the External site Noirauds, the election of the External site Moestasje de Bruxelles (Moustache of Brussels), a demonstration of External site traditional crossbow shooting, the election of Madame Chapeau or the Manneken-Pis Festival. The folklore is still very much alive, with numerous brotherhoods (confréries) and folklore and gastronomy associations (chochetés). Brussels zwanze!

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