Traditions and everyday life in BelgiumFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Belgium. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
32 keepsakes from Belgium · page 1 of 2
The festival is religious because mass is said in Walloon and the procession celebrates the Assumption. It is also very popular because it attracts many people from Liège as well as foreign tourists who come to attend mass in…
Shared by NyanCat25
In Blegium, we have 2 celebrations in December. Like almost everywhere, we have Christmas but before that : "Saint-Nicolas" : on December 6.Saint Nicolas is the favourite kids ' celebration. They get a lot of presents, chocolate…
Shared by EliTheo
tbh i still have no clue what the origin is of the celebration and im too lazy to google it lol. The whole family gathers and give out blessings and tikka the the younger once. for example i get blessings from my mom, dad but…
Shared by ArinaGrg
My school in Ghent is situated on the historic Bijloke site, housed within a former hospital. In the past, the hospital's wards were deliberately spaced apart to help prevent the spread of viruses. These wards are now connected…
Shared by Luc 2503
Carnival is definitely a western-wide festivity with so many cultural variants : have you ever heard about the Belgian one coming from Binche ? "Le Carnaval de Binche" celebrates the walking of the Gilles, those men with the…
Shared by Telx03
Like in many countries, we like joining in cultural events/activities. There are exhibits where you can go to that are really numerous. Whatever you like or are interested into, you'll always find something to do. We also try to…
Shared by englishteach22
Sint Maarten is celebrated on November 11 in different parts of Belgium. This party is also celebrated in my town. With us you can go to a market in the afternoon where people are dressed as the 4th century. And by the evening…
Shared by book_smell
Once a year, Aalst goes insane. No one can explain it fully, but this modest industrial city north of Brussels, population 85,000, has one of the most outrageous Carnivals in the world. It includes a procession of floats with…
Shared by DRIFTREIST
Home sweet home!There’s something deeply comforting about Bruges. It’s not just the beauty, it’s the rhythm. Locals greet each other with a nod, bikes glide past centuries-old facades, and swans float like they own the place (and…
Shared by Duchess of Burgundy
Maasmechelen village is some sort of shopping center outside with famous brands (mostly more expensive ones, not like Louis Vuitton and Chanel but not like Bershka or H&M either), some of their popular boutiques are for example…
Shared by Lvlyamber
The area where I live is full of art, from old and medieval art to comtemporary art, as I am an art lover and artist, I often visit museums in my country and neighbourhood, one of my favourite museums is the SMAK in Ghent, it…
Shared by karolien
In most places dogs have to be on-leash while walking/hiking. But in my neighbourhood (also more places in Belgium) we have some off-leash meadows. A place where dogs can play with each other or just feel more freely while being…
Shared by midorisara
At least once a year - typically during the summer break - belgians visit Oostende which is the most famous beach in Belgium. It is one of the most crowded places in July and August. We go here to swim, tan and just enjoy the…
Shared by lovecelina
They are world-famous for their rich flavors and craftsmanship, making them a perfect gift or personal treat. Whether it’s pralines from a chocolatier or a beautifully wrapped assortment, Belgian chocolate represents the…
Shared by Lizzy_93
F.C. De Kampioenen – A piece of Flemish heritageA legendary Flemish sitcom that has been making people laugh since 1990. Still re-aired today, with comic books, movies, and even “Boma sausages” in local snack bars! For many…
Shared by Helooooo2001
On the 6th of December all children put a shoe by the "fireplace" with a letter and food (in my family: carrot for the horse and a Belgian beer for Saint-Nicolas and his helper). Everybody then goes to sleep, and in the morning…
Shared by Sunflowers_and_Books
So basically 100 days before graduation of secondary school, all the seniors in Belgium drink a lot to celebrate and its the best thing ever. We call this honderd dagen, which literally translates into 100 days. Also you have to…
Shared by uvi
The frituur is a place of joy and deliciousness. We go here every week to eat fries and snacks. It’s almost a tradition, usually on friday, to go there. It has very typical Belgian food and I can’t think of a single person here…
Shared by Ilikefiretrucks
A local type of candy which is a recognized variant of the belgian candy Speculaas. Non Belgian residents know the taste of speculaas under the name Biscoff. The Hasselt version is much softer, thicker and can also contain…
Shared by Agueris
Every city has its own version and mine too. I love going there and feeling the real Christmas spirit. The city is always beautifully decorated and you can find all kinds of delicious food and hot chocolate.
Shared by Elisa.YR
during several days, the all town reunite and party across all the streets. On the sunday, a procession occurs in the streets in the morning, and at midday, St. Georges fights the dragon on the “grand’place”
Shared by tircis
Belgian surrealism has been quite vibrant since the 1920s. It is an artistic movement, but also a certain state of mind among the Belgians. The best-known surrealist painter is undoubtedly René Magritte.
Shared by Thierry HNF
There are a lot of beautiful museums in Antwerp. I love visiting them in my free time and my personal favourites are het Rubenshuis (or Rubenshouse) and Museum Plantin-Moretus
Shared by babyjulia777
The Grand Place(grand square) is the most important and memorable tourist destination in Brussels and is also considered as one of the most beautiful squares.
Shared by Belgian Octopus
The beautiful Art Nouveau façade of Maison Cauchie. Art Nouveau is very typical of Belgian heritage architecture.
Shared by Prudence99
My beautiful village on the Southwest of Belgium well-known for potteries - small village but with a museum
Shared by sylbee
This is the Cathedral in Antwerp our pride building of ancient times looking out over the city
Shared by Bart
Belgium has the best chocolate in the world. I love to eat it melted on ice cream or pancakes.
Shared by Arsy
6 December a man with a beard on a horse gives gifts, chocolate and manderines to children.
Shared by Marie289Want to hear about life in Belgium first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
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