Although Alexander De Croo reckons Belium could pipe up a bit when it comes to vaunting the country's business attributes, there's no mistaking the sound of Belgium, which has been rocking Europe and beyond since the continent found peace in the second half of the 20th century.
Whilst other nations are known by their totemic supergroups that changed the course of modern music, Belgium has fixed itself on the map with its contribution to genres that are lauded as pivotal: where would we be today without New Beat and the multitude of electro sub-strands that it fed?
Anyone with a scintilla of cultural knowledge will point to one-hit-wonder Plastic Bertrand and of course the inimitable Jacques Brel as Belgium's musical reference points. But there's an awful lot more to groove to – connaisseurs might highlight the Popcorn scene of 70s clublore or perhaps the Hardcore of the late 80s/90s that still animates teens and more mature technoheads.
Whatever your preferred frequency, when the working day is done and it's time for a boogie, Belgium has you covered. This much is clear if you look at the country's festival calendar, which is packed-out for the coming months and caters to pretty much any taste. From the EDM themepark that is Tomorrowland to city-based celebrations of centuries-old traditions, you can easily bathe in niche or mainstream culture every weekend.
Honestly, just keeping track of what's on can be overwhelming – I'm forever kicking myself for realising a day or two late that I've just missed a great artist who I had no idea was passing closeby. In case that sounds relatable, this festival selection might provide some helpful pointers to a few of the events worth noting.
Admittedly not everyone's bag, there's something distinctly human about congregating for a live performance and whether for a sun rave or a muddy shindig, getting down in a field has become an institution that Belgium does as well (if not better) as anywhere else.
What are you eyeing up for the summer? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Weekend heatwave? 'Code yellow' warning issued for two provinces
Temperatures in Belgium will remain high for at least another week – with "tropical" heat expected this weekend – and the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) is issuing a 'code yellow' heat warning in two Flemish provinces. Read more.
2. Unblocking Brussels Metro 3: Palais du Midi dismantlement confirmed
Following months of delays, Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort announced that the construction works for Brussels' Metro line 3 can only continue via the inside of the iconic Palais du Midi building, meaning it has to be partially dismantled. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 9 - 11 June
Temperatures will surpass 30°C this weekend in Brussels, marking the first (and hopefully not last) heatwave of the year. It is the perfect occasion to be out and about in the city all day and night. Read more.
4. Two-thirds of Belgians are of Belgian origin
Two-thirds (65.5%) of Belgium’s population consisted of Belgians of Belgian origin as at 1 January 2023 , according to data published on Thursday by national statistics office Statbel. Read more.
5. Brussels green transport bonus remains largely underused
Despite an increased budget, the reformed Bruxell’air bonus remains hugely underused, Anne-Charlotte d’Ursel, MP and chair of the Mobility Committee in the Brussels Parliament, said on Thursday. Read more.
6. Police dogs sniffed out a record €10 million in cash last year
With the help of so-called "cash dogs," the Federal Police managed to seize €10 million in hidden cash last year, double the amount uncovered during actions in 2021. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Bernard Gavilan
Back in 1999, Bernard Gavilan opened his first vintage shop at Rue Blaes 162 in Brussels’ Marolles quarter. Read more.
