🇧🇪 Magic in Belgium

Belgian folklore is a broad term for public cultural events, parades, and traditional festivals that reflect the region's diverse history. These traditions are deeply embedded in local identity and often coexist with major religious observances without being classified as magic or witchcraft.

• UNESCO recognizes Belgian processional giants and dragons as intangible heritage
• The Ommegang parade commemorates Emperor Charles V's 1549 entry into Brussels
• Gilles performers throw oranges at crowds during the Binche Carnival
• The Ros Beiaard horse figure appears only once every ten years in East Flanders
• The Procession of the Holy Blood carries a relic allegedly found during the Second Crusade

Overview

The concept of folklore in Belgium covers all public cultural events, including traditional festivals and parades, rather than just private customs. This tradition reflects centuries of cultural and religious influences across different regions. Many practices are unique to specific towns or provinces and serve to entertain locals and visitors. The national identity is strongly tied to these lively public displays, which have survived since before the country was established in 1830. These events are distinct from individual celebrations like Easter or recent music festivals.

Practices and beliefs

Public processions are central to Belgian folk belief, featuring large costumed figures such as giants and dragons. In Brussels, processional giants like Saint Michael and Saint Gudula appear in annual parades. The Ros Beiaard, a giant horse figure in East Flanders, is carried by people during decennial events. In Hainaut, giant effigies representing Goliath and his wife are paraded and fought in mock battles. These figures are believed to bring good luck when coins are thrown at them. Marionette theatre also serves as a popular folk practice, preserving local dialects and stories through performance.

Rites and charms

Many rites involve public reenactments of historical or religious events. The Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges parades a relic said to contain Christ's blood, attracting pilgrims annually. In Veurne, hooded penitents reenact the Passion of Jesus through cross-carrying rituals. The Carnival of Binche features Gilles throwing oranges at crowds while wearing elaborate costumes. In Stavelot, participants wear white sheets and masks to recall lazy monks, showering crowds with confetti and pork bladders. The Kattenstoet in Ypres may commemorate medieval associations of cats with witchcraft, though it is now a festival.

Who practises

Folklore is maintained by local communities, guilds, and municipal organizations rather than specialized magical practitioners. Performers known as Gilles participate in the Binche Carnival, requiring significant preparation for their costumes and roles. Participants in the Blanc Moussis festival dress in specific attire to embody historical characters. The Ros Beiaard requires teams of people to carry the heavy structure. These roles are often passed down through generations within families or local groups, serving as custodians of regional heritage rather than spiritual intermediaries.

Regions and communities

Each province maintains distinct traditions that reflect its local history. Brussels focuses on medieval pageants and student processions. East Flanders preserves the decennial Ros Beiaard ritual. West Flanders emphasizes religious processions and historical feuds. Antwerp's polder villages maintain unique games like goose-riding. Hainaut centers on carnival celebrations and giant processions. Namur features bear festivals and military-style marches influenced by French armies. Liège preserves monastic-themed carnival customs. The Ardennes region in Luxembourg holds particularly rich rural traditions.

The calendar

Events are tied to specific dates and seasons throughout the year. The Ommegang occurs in July, commemorating a 1549 imperial entry. The Meyboom takes place on August 9th, despite its name suggesting a May celebration. Saint Verhaegen is held on November 20th for university anniversaries. The Procession of the Holy Blood happens on Ascension Day. The Boeteprocessie occurs on the last Sunday of July. The Kattenstoet runs every three years. The Carnival of Binche takes place around Shrove Tuesday before Lent. The Bear Festival occurs three weeks before Easter. Summer sees the Ducasse procession in Ath.

Law and the state

Many Belgian folk traditions are recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The Ommegang and Meyboom were listed in 2019. The Processional giants and dragons inscription covers multiple regions. The Carnival of Binche received recognition in 2003. These designations help protect and promote these customs. Local governments support these events as part of cultural preservation efforts. There are no legal restrictions mentioned on these traditional practices, which operate openly within communities.

Today

These traditions continue to thrive as important aspects of Belgian cultural identity. They attract significant tourism and community participation. UNESCO recognition has helped preserve these practices for future generations. Modern adaptations ensure relevance while maintaining historical authenticity. Local communities actively maintain these customs through regular performances and preparations. The traditions serve as bridges between past and present, connecting contemporary Belgians with their ancestral heritage.