Whilst Spain is currently seeing record temperatures in the south of the country, conditions in northern Europe have stayed noticeably cooler, with many drawing comparisons to last year when temperatures were consistently closer to 20°c.
And though the chill of the past weeks has been a disappointment for many, meteorologists assure that Belgium's uninspiring lack of warmth is nothing exceptional – as if we needed reminding. But though the weekend looks brighter, there's still time to cosy up at home for a guiltless film fix.
If you need an excuse to be entertained, you could pass off a movie night as a chance to acquaint yourself with the best of Belgian cinema and make use of this handy guide to the nation's most iconic works to hit the silver screen. When it comes to films, Belgium has a rich pedigree – not only with contemporary directors who have broken onto the international scene but with revered works that critics have singled out for the highest accolade there is.
Admittedly, some of them are quite long and might not quite fit the bill for "kick back and chill". For a shorter interlude and the full theatre experience, you could check out the Brussels Short Film Festival, which opened this week and features on our weekend What To Do.
Rain or shine, options abound. Enjoy the long weekend (Monday is May Day).
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. A welcome decline: Inflation falls in Belgium
Belgium's inflation rate fell this month, easing citizens' economic pain after more than a year of steep price rises which have caused one of the most acute cost of living crises in the country's modern history. Read more.
2. Brussels gives green light to Palais de Justice restoration work
The first phase of the Palais de Justice restoration project was approved by the Brussels region on Friday. Read more.
3. Long-stay visas in Belgium reaching record-high levels
The number of long-stay visas for economic reasons has been sharply rising in recent years, surpassing levels seen before the pandemic, while the number of short-term visas has not yet rebounded. Read more.
4. Miss Belgium to be first winner allowed to keep her job
The current Miss Belgium, Emilie Vansteenkiste, is officially the first miss with a job: in between her photo shoots, she teaches dance classes for six hours a week. She is the exception to the rule, because normally, having a job is not allowed. Read more.
5. Resignation of Belgian Gender Equality Secretary due to 'double standard'
Following Sarah Schlitz's (Ecolo) resignation as Belgium’s State Secretary for Gender Equality on Wednesday, questions have been raised by her office about whether the political fallout was the result of a "double standard." Read more.
6. Weekend break: Reflections on Namur
Founded where two rivers meet around a medieval citadel, Namur’s waters run deep with folklore and history. But on the ground, it boasts great gastronomy, ancient treasures and rare art. Read more.
7. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 28 April – 1 May
Even though Belgium still has to wait a little longer before the mercury surpasses 20°C, the weather is finally improving... Read more.
