Colors of Brussels - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Despite the indifferent attitude to cooking, local people prefer simple food. They always order most familiar and simple dishes in restaurants, avoiding delicacies and culinary delights. However, if travelers order a standard portion of food, the natives will certainly ask to bring them a double one – people here eat a lot, even though the food is quite simple.

Brussels natives are very sociable and friendly, you can easily discuss any topic with them. Nevertheless, it is necessary to avoid talking about the government, the royal family and inter-ethnic relations. As in any other country, there are some taboos here. The local population is very intolerant to French culture, so you should never compare the natives with the residents of France. Local people do not like it when visitors start copying their accent. Such behavior is regarded as a mockery and contempt. Brussels is ahead of many European cities in the number of various national holidays and festivals. It seems that its residents are prepared to have fun every day, and sing and dance on the squares of the city from dawn till late evening.

The beginning of July is the time of a colorful folklore Ommegang festival in Brussels. On the day of the holiday local people dress up in beautiful medieval costumes, and the squares of the city become the location of interesting theatrical and musical performances. Literally, the name of the holiday can be translated as "a procession in a circle". It was celebrated for the first time on the 14th century. Originally the holiday was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, but later it lost its religious significance. Sablon Square is the main location of various celebrations. Besides a grandiose concert here is conducted a fair of artisans, where you can purchase interesting souvenirs, as well as look at the competitions in crossbow shooting. Grand Place Square is the location of a solemn procession, which involves about a half of a thousand of people. Each of them is dressed in a unique medieval costume. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Belgian capital deservedly belongs to the largest cultural centres of Europe. The glory of the city of Brussels by the rich number of cultural events and festivals, museums with precious historic antiquities and astonishing architecture. Local people dedicate a lot of time and effort to honour their long history and the most significant historic events, that now are represented in the way of festivals and carnivals.

For example, Brussels Ommegang Medieval Festival precisely displays the procession of welcoming Charles V in 1549. Only those people, who have dressed in the costumes of the 16th century are allowed to participate in this unique procession. About 1200 participants represent the members of an imperial family and court, the representatives of magistrate and different guilds, and also soldiers and citizens. This festival takes place in July, every year. Zinneke parade in Brussels, which is celebrated each two years. Every time it has new subject and scenario. For two days, the city streets transform to the theatrical platforms, where various theatrical performances take place. The main idea of this parade is to uncover the skills and abilities for improvisation among participants.

Belgian National Day - is the most important and favourite holiday of the country. It is celebrated on the July 21; on the date when the country of Belgium achieved its nationhood and became independent. Local people, as well as tourists, gather on the main square of Brussels, where they can pay the tribute to the memory. The procession starts from the military parade. Later on, it is changed to fun street celebrations, filled with music and dances, speeches from the people of art, and grandiose fireworks. This is the only day when local museums open their doors for free for tourists, that is why do your best to plan the trip on this day.

If you are the art lover, follow all the new trends and faces in the art, then it's high time to visit Brussels in September - October. At this time period, the Europalia International Art Festival takes place. It is held once in two years and was firstly established in 1969. During this festival, you will enjoy and expand your knowledge with the culture and heritage of one of the world countries: art, music, photography, theatre, the art of dance, poetry and literature. The main aim of Europalia festival is to strengthen the cultural status of Brussels as the capital of Belgium, as well as the promotion of European ideals. Europalia contributes to the cultural dimension of European construction by promoting Europe’s diverse cultures and encouraging their dialogue with the world’s great cultures.