Colors of Mechelen - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Mechelen residents are proud of their amazing history. Over hundreds of years, the city has gotten a lot of interesting symbols and traditions. One of the most interesting symbols is carillon - an old musical instrument, which has been undeservedly forgotten in the world culture over the past hundred years. The instrument consists of a set of bells that are very reminiscent of church ones. The ability to play it requires considerable skill. Now there are only a few people in the world who know how to play carillon. Mechelen residents make a lot of efforts to revive this art.

Carillon concerts are regularly held in the city throughout the year. There is even an annual festival dedicated to the carillon. Now the city has four active carillons, three of which are located in cathedrals and the fourth one is mobile. All major local holidays are accompanied by carillon playing, a mobile instrument is installed on the main square. Everyone can learn to play the old musical instrument at a local music school founded in 1922.

Fans of unusual music festivals will be interested in visiting Mechelen in mid-April during the annual Carillon Festival. Among other significant cultural events, it is worth mentioning the annual Flanders Festival dedicated to Flemish music and culture. The festival's program is very diverse, it is attended by famous folklore groups that specialize in music and dance of past centuries. Contemporary musicians are also invited to the holiday. Besides concerts, festival guests can enjoy a lot of other entertainments. They will be able to visit colorful fairs and buy works of local artisans, taste popular regional dishes, and enjoy the best Belgian beers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Most interesting holidays dedicated to music and regional culture are held in summer. A permanent venue for such celebrations is the main square Grote Markt, which turns into a huge open-air stage during the festivals. Such holidays have long become a favorite pastime for citizens, they always take an active part in them. It is noteworthy that festivals dedicated to historical traditions always attract the major attention of local youth. Special programs are organized for kids as part of major holidays.

Mechelen has a unique rural atmosphere, even though this city has long been an important religious and cultural center on a national scale. The unique architectural appearance gives the city a special charm, the more so as many of its elements have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. An interesting feature of urban architecture is historic houses with wooden facades, the regular renovations of which are given a lot of attention and resources. Such houses have survived only in a few cities in Belgium and their maintenance requires considerable efforts.

Some of Mechelen's historic buildings are now used for tourism purposes, housing hotels and restaurants. Despite their originality, such hotels are distinguished by affordable prices, so even budget tourists can spend several days in a historical atmosphere here. The townspeople consider beer to be their main national drink. A beautiful annual festival is dedicated to this important drink. The famous Het Anker Brewery has long acquired the status of a popular tourist attraction in Mechelen. Hundreds of years ago, on the site of the brewery there was a beginage, the representatives of which were the first to produce beer here.

Many brewing traditions have been preserved since then. Today, they use cinnamon, orange peels, chamomile inflorescences, coriander, and other spices to brew special varieties of the drink. Now the brewery holds regular tours, it has a large tasting room and a popular restaurant with regional cuisine on the ground floor. Not so long ago, in addition to beer, the production of strong alcoholic drinks was launched at the factory. Het Anker products are a popular souvenir option among tourists. Mechelen will charm guests with its calm and distinctive atmosphere. In recent years, it has become a major tourist center. Local residents have long been accustomed to a large number of foreign tourists and welcome them as long-awaited guests. An interest in the culture and traditions of their hometown will be the best way to show your recognition and respect.