Back to the Renaissance in Brussels

The 21st century is so 2023, right? Well, Brussels being the magical city that it is, you have the option of travelling back in time to the 16th century. Welcome to the Brussels Renaissance Festival. 

Culminating in the Ommegang at the beginning of July (more on that later), the festival includes exhibitions that take you back in time, and the more adventurous are surely rubbing their hands in anticipation of the treasure hunts. Throw in some guided tours and workshops for good measure and you’ve got yourself the most happening event of the year. 

Iconic Brussels landmarks like the Porte de Hal, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the Breadhouse on the Grand’Place will also be opening their doors, and there will be plenty of music and Renaissance dancing. 

The pièce de résistance, of course, is the Ommegang. That’s UNESCO cultural heritage, by the way. It’s a parade that “illustrates various aspects of our national folklore” with thousands of participants in costumes from the good old days. Initially, it was a procession in honour of Our Lady of the Sablon, the impressive church at a stone’s throw of the Marolles. 

See you there?