Day of Dutch Speaking Community (Only in
Flanders)
11th July
11th July
Nationale Feestdag
National Day
21st July
21st July
Maria Hemelvaartdag
Assumption Day
(This day is the Belgian Mother's Day.)
15th August
15th August
Allerheiligen
All Saints' Day
1st November
1st November
Wapenstilstand
Armistice Day
11th November
11th November
Kerstmis
Christmas
25th December
25th December
Extra Note: In 2008 because May 1st and
Ascension day fall on the same day, May 2nd will also be an official public
holiday. These 2 days fall on a Thursday and a Friday, so many people will be
taking a long weekend.
Many Belgian companies will also be closed on this day.
Driekoningen
Three Kings (Epiphany)
6th January
Children dress up as the Magi and
go from
door to door singing a special song. They will expect some candy or money from you!
Verloren Maandag
Lost Monday
The first Monday following 6th January
In Antwerp it is traditional to eat Worstenbrood and
Appelbollen. There are written references to Lundi Perdu as far back as 1281.
Today factory workers, bosses and secretaries take it as an unpaid day off work, with the emphasis on eating and drinking, either together with friends
or family. Also called Betrayal Monday it is possibly a reference to the Three Wise Men
who broke their promise to King Herod to disclose the exact location of Jesus' birthplace.
Lichtmis
2nd February
Celebrates the day when Mary and Joseph presented the baby Jesus to
Simeon. Traditionally pancakes (pannenkoeken) are eaten on this day.
Guldensporenslag
Battle of Golden Spurs
July 11th
A Flemish Holiday. The battle was fought on July 11th 1302 near Kortrijk, between rebellious Flemish towns, led by Bruges, and an army sent by Philip IV of
France. The French were totally defeated. The spurs taken from the fallen French knights formed so huge a trophy that they gave the battle its name.
To read more click here.
Dag van de Dynastie
King's Birthday
15th November
Be warned - public servants have the day off to celebrate, so your
local Gemeentehuis will be closed!
St Niklaas
6th December
St Niklaas comes during the night of 5th
December and leaves toys for the children.
The Belgian government has also forbidden any Santa Claus to appear in
public before this date!
Tweede Kerstdag
Day after Christmas, Boxing Day
26th December
Many Belgian companies will also be closed on
this day.
Zingenskensdag
New Year's Eve
31st December
Children go from door to door whilst singing a
song. They will expect some sweets or money. The children have a special
song for people who don't open the door. This custom is specific to the
north of Antwerp.
Please note that this information is correct to the best of our
knowledge. Do not rely on its accuracy.