For a city already brimming with nationalities and that strives to celebrate diversity of all colours and creeds, Brussels offers endless opportunities to taste the exotic.
Every week provides a chance to dip into a cultural scene that isn't simply transplanted to Belgium but more often has roots in the cosmopolitan capital without you even realising. But of all the marvellous moments in the events calendar, perhaps the most enthralling is the Ommegang procession.
Whilst city officials rarely miss the chance to identify Brussels with modernity, Ommegang encourages us to see the urban environment through the lens of a bygone era. Resplendent with Renaissance pageantry, the parade moves through the city centre to the Grand Place, giving a glimpse of how things might have been before Belgium was even its own nation.
The fanfare really is a spectacle not to be missed, as suggested by its UNESCO status. But Ommegang is just one of many parades that brighten Brussels during the summer, with folklore very much alive in a space that equally serves as a stage for other traditions. Already on multiple occasions this year, the streets have been alive with the percussion of neighbourhood processions – which to the unattuned ear might easily be mistaken for union protests.
Though Ommegang culminates with a ticketed performance on the Grand Place, the procession by itself is a sight to behold. Visitors to the Parc Royal can even witness jousting and other activities otherwise consigned to the History Channel.
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1. Belgian universities rise in World University Rankings
Both French- and Dutch-speaking universities have risen in the QS World University Rankings 2024, a ranking of the best universities worldwide. Read more.
2. The Ommegang brings renaissance splendour back to Brussels
The Ommegang of Brussels, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, returns to Brussels on Wednesday, with all its magic and pageantry. Read more.
3. Antwerp’s diamond dilemma
A handful of streets in Antwerp are the global hub of the diamond business, but traders there see their status under threat. Read more.
4. Parts of European Quarter to be closed off during EU summit this week
A two-day European Council summit will be taking place in the Belgian capital later this week, which will result in parts of the European Quarter being shut off by police. Read more.
5. Foreign Minister to remain in office after reluctant support from government partners
The left-leaning parties in government (Ecolo, Groen, PS, and Vooruit) will vote to keep Hadja Lahbib (MR) in office as Foreign Affairs Minister, as the Federal Government looks to move on from the divisive Brussels Urban Summit that has marked Belgian politics of late. Read more.
6. Eurostar not on board for connection to Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport was looking to Eurostar to address its need for a high-speed connection to and from the airport, but the rail company has rejected the idea. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: One of the best hiking routes in Belgium
Marked out by volunteers in 1966, the GR 57 long-distance hiking trail runs through Wallonia for 265 km. Starting in Liege, it penetrates deep into the Ardennes, following the valley of the River Ourthe. Read more.
