Colors of Antwerpen - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The local people are very friendly to visitors and are always willing to talk to them about any topic other than politics. Tourists are not recommended to discuss national issues with the locals. The royal family is another taboo topic for conversation. In order to find answers to all other questions fell free to ask the indigenous people. They will always help you navigate the city and let you know how to reach certain attractions the best way possible. Antwerp is one of the world's most famous diamond cutting centers. The local people have learned this exquisite craft since medieval times. It is worth noting that modern masters keep working with gems according to an old technology, which is kept in secret. Diamond trade-fairs are surely one of the most important events in the life of the city. These fairs are held several times a year. They attract most famous jewelers from all over the world. Many visitors come to such fairs just like to museums – this is the best place to admire the fabulous look of stones.

Many centuries ago local residents were famous as refined gourmets. They have remained very skillful in food until our days. The reason for this is in the fact that this large port city has always had a large choice of different types of food. Ships coming from distant lands brought delicious seafood, rare wines and liqueurs here, as well as unusual spices and seasonings – a true dream of any chef or housekeeper. You can still see and taste this largest choice of food in Antwerp. Just visit one of the local restaurants and try it yourself. Each dining facility certainly offers original and exotic dishes made of finest ingredients.

The majority of tourists tend to get to Antwerp during Christmas holidays, which is always celebrated here with grand scale. If you visit the city during this period, you will find here interesting street performances, fairs, largest choice of dishes in restaurants, and overall festive mood. The cultural program will be especially liked by children, because they can participate in colorful presentations and funny games that are organized for them every day. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Antwerpen - is the second largest city in Belgium, and it is worth noticing. Local people have an eye for entertainment; all the festivals and holidays draw the full house among local visitors and guests from abroad. Antwerpen's calendar of holidays is especially bright in summer when the majority festivals take place. Those who admire theater, cinema, music, and art should come here in July and August and enjoy one's time during the Zomer van Antwerpen - the cultural, which gathers fans all over the Europe. The organizers of the festival collect the set of platforms under the open air; they can be found in parks, squares, public gardens and on the bank of the river Schelde.

What is the first association you have with Flandria? If beer and various beer festivals then you must see and enjoy the Bierpassie Weekend, the most popular beer festival in all Flandria. It attracts beer fans from all over the world. During the weekend up to 40 breweries present and treat the visitors with about 400 taps of beer. Later in October, another beer festival, called Modeste, takes place. This festival is dedicated to Modeste Van Den Bogaert - the director of famous Antwerpen's brewery "De Koninck". During 50 years he was leading this beer factory, and only small and modest breweries participate in this festival.

Gourmands and gastronomic tourists must book tickets to Belgium, where the annual food festival Antwerpen Proeft takes place. Within this festival, professional chefs from all over the country cook the best traditional dishes and treat the visitors. The gastronomical satisfaction is guaranteed. Jazz lovers will enjoy the Jass Middelheim, the festival that usually brings joy to tourist in the middle of August. Earlier in July, all the city is waiting for a sailing regatta. About 650 thousand visitors are gathering at the Port of Antwerpen and greet 100 sailing ships, 400 navy officers, and cadets from all over the world. The sailing regatta leaves the port and stern to Portugal and Spain.