As Labour Day, the workers' holiday celebrating the achievements of the labour movement, takes place on 1 May every year, Wednesday will see many shops and businesses close for the day.
Like every year, the Brussels faction of the Dutch-speaking socialist Vooruit party is organising their One May Festival at the Rue du Marché aux Porcs in the city centre.
This year, the festival will offer a rich mix of musical genres and cultural influences – from enchanting soul to energetic Balkan punk – as well as children's entertainment, food trucks and a wide range of (local) drinks. More information here.
Performances and politics
Another traditional 1 May activity is the Fête du Travail at Mont des Arts in the city centre, organised by the socialist ABVV/FGTB union. Between 13:00 and 20:00, thousands of union members, families and other festival goers will attend. There will be performances by three local artists.
A series of debates in Plein Publiek will also take place, from 'How to counterbalance the extreme right' to 'Experiences and perspectives of the feminist struggle'. There will also be an exhibition about trade union work. More information here.
In Saint-Gilles, the Pianofabriek community centre is organising 'Fort en fête' on Wednesday: a festive flea market, fair trade breakfast, concerts, food and drink stands, barbecue, activities for children and open workshops. The market will open from 09:30 at Pianofabriek (Rue de Fort 35 in Saint-Gilles), and activities will continue throughout the day until 19:00. More information here.
Credit: Pianofabriek
The Garcia Lorca cultural centre on Rue des Foulon 47 in the City of Brussels will host a cultural afternoon, starting at 13:30.
There will be film and documentary screenings, followed by debates and discussions. Afterwards, a dance show specially designed for the occasion, followed by an introduction to dance given by performer Waheed Abu Shahma. Closing out the day, there will be live electro-techno music and a crooner singer.
All of these activities will take place in the middle of stands offering drinks, meals and information about various causes, as well as an inflatable castle, painting exhibitions and plant sales.
What's open?
As with other public holidays in the country, public and administration services will not operate on 1 May; neither will banks. Postal services will also be shut for the day, meaning that there will be no delivery of letters, packages or newspapers. However, some postal points within local convenience stores may still be accessible.
Belgium's national railway service SNCB, bus services De Lijn and TEC and Brussels public transport company STIB will continue to operate on Wednesday, but at a reduced Sunday service schedule.
As for groceries, the vast majority of supermarkets across the country – Aldi, Colruyt, Cora, Lidl, Makro and Okay – are closed today. However, most Carrefour and Delhaize supermarkets will remain open on Labour Day, as will some Intermarché and Spar shops, albeit with adjusted hours.
Many shopping malls and retail shops across the country, such as City 2 and Docks Bruxsel, will remain closed, as will most other stores, such as those on Rue Neuve in Brussels. Independent clothing stores may remain open, but this may vary according to location.
Most pharmacies will remain closed, but for urgent needs and medication, people can contact the pharmacist-on-duty in their municipality. The nearest on-duty pharmacy can be found here.
The Atomium, visible from all over the city. Credit: atomium.be
For those looking to use their day off work for a cultural activity, the Atomium and the Mini-Europe theme park are both open on Labour Day.
The majority of public museums in the city will also close down for the day, but the privately-owned Van Buuren museum near Uccle will welcome art-deco lovers, who will be able to enjoy a visit to the property's gardens (weather permitting).
Lastly, several cinemas in Brussels will also hold regular showings on Wednesday, such as Cinema Aventure, Cinema Galeries and UGC cinemas.
Police services remain accessible at all times, even on public holidays, though district offices are closed, meaning they are not available for administrative matters. Those needing urgent police assistance should call the emergency number 112.
