About Belgium > Culture

The Belgians have a special taste for the good life : the country has some of the best restaurants in the world, and the largest number of cafés per capita ! Above all, the Belgians love dining out with friends, and it could be in a local tavern, an exotic place or an elegant restaurant.

Belgium has a great tradition of culture : music, theater, film festivals, concerts, opera, ballet and large exhibitions are available to the public throughout the year. The Queen Elisabeth Music Contest is internationally renowned and the Opera House of Brussels offers classical and creative programs every year. Jazz music is present everywhere in the cities, from the smallest jazz clubs to the largest festivals.

Cartoon is a real national art, and an entire museum is dedicated to it. The Belgian Center of Cartoon Art is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau house.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Brussels has Ancient and Contemporary Art sections. The major Belgian painters include : Brueghel, Van Eyck, Van Dyck, Rubens, Memling, as well as the more modern Meunier, Ensor, Magritte, and Delvaux. Their masterpieces can be seen in different cathedrals and museums throughout the country.

Belgian folklore is among the richest in the world: the Carnivals of Binche or Malmedy are absolutely fantastic ; and the Holy Blood Procession of Bruges and the Ommegang of Brussels are fabulous street shows. Every two years, the Grand Place of Brussels provides the backdrop for a unique but ephemeral masterpiece : the Carpet of Flowers (August 2002 & 2004).

Calendar of major cultural events in Brussels :

Brussels Jazz Marathon : in MAY
Ommegang : every year in 2 days in July and 2 days in August
Flower carpet on the Grand Place : in August every 2 years
Heritage days : one week-end in September 
Christmas market & illuminations : December to January