With last weekend providing ample opportunities to wait for warmer days in front of some of Belgium's most celebrated films, this time around is certainly not the one to cosy up at home as Brussels is having its birthday party and we're all invited.
Chances are you have already felt a flush of summer excitement as Thursday had the finest weather of the year – a balmy 24°C that saw jumpers thrown off with gay abandon and terraces packed with punters. It was the kind of day we wish for every weekend but the all-powerful Murphy grants only on workdays.
Maybe in recognition of this injustice, Belgium gives residents more dependable dates for festivity, a calendar cocktail of traditions and newfangled fun that goes ahead rain or shine. For a country with six governments, three birthdays seems restrained.
Activities are spread across the capital but focus largely in the centre, with the ever-pleasant Brussels Park housing fairs and food. If the region's programme of events doesn't take your fancy, there are other options, notably with festival season starting proper.
And with Brussels celebrations this year extending beyond the weekend with a feast day Monday 8 May (also VE Day), many are hoping that the City is closing on marking the occasion with a regional holiday. We're not there yet but maybe if ministers party hard enough on Sunday they will realise the need for this popular proposal.
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1. Boiler ban: Will Belgium follow in Germany and Netherlands' footsteps?
The Netherlands and Germany will introduce a ban on classic gas boilers to stop using fossil fuels for heating buildings as soon as possible. Now Flanders is taking steps to shift to renewable energy. Read more.
2. Feasts, flags and funny hats: How Belgium celebrates its birthdays
The Brussels-Capital Region will come alive this weekend with various concerts, activities, food trucks and more on the occasion of the region's 34th birthday – marked by the annual Iris Festival. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 5 - 7 May
From celebrating Polish heritage and the Brussels region's birthday to dancing the night away at Botanique or at a festival located in the heart of a former military site, here's what's on this weekend. Read more.
4. Two Brussels pizzerias ranked in European top 50
Two Brussels pizzerias have been named in the 50 Top Pizza guide, which ranks the best European pizza restaurants outside of Italy. Pizza è Bella Gourmet in Etterbeek came in 12th place, with La Piola Pizza in Saint-Josse in 15. Read more.
5. De Croo meets French PM for anti-terrorism talks
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo meets with French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Friday to discuss French-Belgian cooperation in the fight against terrorism, reports Belga News Agency. Read more.
6. Households and industry manage to massively reduce gas and electricity consumption
In the first four months of 2023, households and SMEs consumed 80% less gas than during the same period in 2021, according to figures from transmission system operator Fluxys published by L’Echo on Friday. Read more.
7. Online portal for tax return opens: Tips and tricks
With Belgians and those residing in Belgium now able to file their tax returns online, it's worth addressing this year’s changes to the tax season which include, among other things, shorter deadlines. Read more.
