In Brussels, 8 May is a day for regional celebrations in the form of the Iris Festival. But what is it, what's in the name, and why does the Brussels Parliament want it to become a holiday once again?
Nearly four decades after 8 May – also known as Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) – stopped being a public holiday in 1974, a majority of the Brussels Parliament has made clear their desire to restore the public, paid holiday.
The Federal Government states in its coalition agreement that the regions will be given the opportunity to turn their public holiday into a paid one, without a budgetary additional cost. The majority parties in the Brussels Parliament now made it clear that they want to make use of that proposal.
“As a legal, paid holiday, 8 May can become a day on which we celebrate our democracy, our freedoms and rights and think about how we can improve our free society. Because a legal holiday gives people time to reflect on a particular theme or pivotal moment,” the resolution reads.
What is the Iris Festival?
The Iris Festival is the Brussels Region's celebration on 8 May, commemorating the victory of democracy over fascism. It marks the anniversary of the Allied victory over the Nazi regime in 1945.
Yet the name of the festival takes inspiration from the flower – the regional symbol that is in bloom during this period. It is also one of the feasts of the patron saint of Brussels, Saint Michael the Archangel.
An iris flower, symbol of the Brussels-Capital Region. Credit: Canva
How is the Iris Festival celebrated?
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Iris Festival is back all-around Brussels on the weekend of 7 and 8 May, celebrating the Region's 33rd anniversary. You can expect concerts, food and dozens of free activities.
Saturday is Europe Day, for which the European institutions open their doors, followed by an electro night on Place des Palais from 19:00 onward, as well as the Garden Cities’ Centenary.
A novelty this year, the ‘100 years of garden districts of the Brussels Region’, offers free guided tours to discover the city’s green heritage and its history in sixteen different Brussels municipalities.
On Sunday, Parc de Bruxelles will host plenty of themed villages with entertainment stands from 12:00 to 18:00. Also on Sunday, around 40 food trucks will be located at various spots around town and street artists will keep you entertained when strolling around the city.
A festival will also take place in Warande Park, featuring four themed villages with acrobatic acts and circus performances.
Crossing borders
The Iris Festival this year will extend beyond Europe’s capital to be celebrated in New York City, for the first time ever. “There is more Brussels in New York than you might think,” the festival’s slogan goes.
The New York Iris Festival takes place on Sunday from noon to 15:00 at the Brooklyn Grange in Sunset Park, a “vertical farm” with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
The event will promote important Brussels companies and visitors will be able to enjoy typical Belgian products such as beer, waffles and chocolate.
