How To Celebrate Easter 2024 in Belgium – Places & Guide
Belgium is a wonderful destination to spend Easter holidays. With its deep Catholic roots, Easter celebrations here blend religious traditions with modern festivities for a truly memorable experience. From attending Easter Mass at a cathedral to hunting for chocolate eggs at a lively spring fair, there are myriad ways for you to enjoy Easter 2024 in Belgium. With a Belgium Visa from UK, you can visit Belgium and celebrate Easter 2024 in the dazzling Belgian-way.
Easter Weekend 2024 – When is Easter in Belgium
As a predominantly Catholic country, Easter in Belgium ushers in an important religious holiday. Easter celebrations are filled with ceremonial masses and processions. But Easter holiday here also marks the beginning of spring, bringing numerous fairs, festivals, and family-centric celebrations.
When is Easter this year in Belgium?
This year, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on 31st March 2024 across Belgium. Easter Monday will follow on April 1st and Good Friday falls on March 29th.
How To Celebrate Easter 2024 in Belgium With your loved ones?
From the world-famous carillon concerts in Mechelen to local children’s workshops to decorate Easter eggs in Leuven, there are countless ways for you to soak in the Easter spirit in Belgium. Read on for the very best recommendations on places to visit and quintessential things to do over the Easter holidays in Belgium in 2024.
1. Historical Churches and Cathedrals
With strong religious roots spanning centuries, Belgium has no dearth of magnificent churches and cathedrals. These religious places come alive during Easter with special masses, classical music concerts and more. They give you a peek into Belgium’s rich cultural heritage too. After the Easter Sunday service, the congregation exchanges Happy easter wishes.
a). The St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent:
Dating back to the 10th century, the exquisite interiors and priceless artworks of this Gothic-style cathedral make it a top draw. Don’t miss the moving Easter Mass and classical Easter concerts with the cathedral’s vintage organ and carillon bells.
b). St. Paul’s Cathedral, Liège:
Admire the ornate black and gold baroque altarpieces and the massive dome of this 17th century architectural marvel. Time your visit with its renowned Tridentine liturgy during Holy Week for a magical experience.
c). Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Brussels:
Belgium’s largest church is resplendent with its towering white domes and columns. With special organ recitals and choral music concerts lined up for Easter 2024, be prepared to be awestruck.
d). Church of Our Lady, Bruges:
Dating to the 13th century the brick tower of this UNESCO site will transport you to medieval Bruges. Don’t miss the Easter Sunday mass and classical Easter concert performed on its vintage organ for a magical audio-visual extravaganza.
With impressive architecture, exquisite interiors and soul-stirring music, Belgium’s churches and cathedrals make for an atmospheric way to celebrate Easter for history and culture buffs.
2. Belgian Easter Markets and Fairs
Easter markets and fairs herald the joyous arrival of spring in Belgium. From traditional handicrafts to amusement rides for kids, these lively markets have something for everyone:
a). Geraardsbergen Easter Market:
Taking place every year on Easter Monday, this fair has over 100 stalls selling artisanal cheeses, savoury meat preparations, chocolates, Easter decorations and more. Don’t miss the colourful parades and performances.
b). Leuven Easter Fun Fair:
Enjoy heart-pumping amusement rides, carnival stalls and circus show at this exciting fair running from the Saturday before Palm Sunday through Easter Monday at Groot Begijnhof Park.
c). Brussels Easter Market:
Head to downtown Brussels to the traditional Easter market at Place St. Catherine. Pick up unique Easter gifts and decorations and munch on typical Easter treats like waffles and chocolate eggs as you soak in the festive atmosphere.
With tons of shopping, entertainment and kid-friendly activities, Belgium’s Easter fairs allow visitors to revel in local culture while enjoying springtime attractions.
3. Traditional Easter Foods and Recipes
Belgian Easter celebrations are synonymous with decadent temptations for your sweet tooth and some savoury specialties too. Indulge your taste buds with these traditional Easter recipes and delicacies on your Belgium holiday:
a). Chocolate Easter Eggs:
No Easter in Belgium is complete without these handcrafted pure chocolate eggs wrapped in vibrant metallic foils and tied with ribbons. You can find them at any chocolatier. Additionally, the other traditional Easter egg gifts are hard-boiled and coloured in various pastel shades and patterns. These beautifully coloured and painted Easter eggs fill the Belgian markets on Easter Sunday.
b). Spicy Easter Bread:
Cramique contains raisins, candied fruits and is lightly spiced. Have it with cheese, butter and jam or try the Liège specialty version baked with pearl sugar.
c). Gingerbread Easter Bunnies:
Another Easter favourite, this spiced cookie shaped like an adorable Easter bunny is delightfully chewy and aromatic. Grab a box at the Easter fair or local patisserie.
d). Asparagus in Ham:
Fresh asparagus wrapped in smoked ham and doused in a creamy sauce makes for the perfect Easter entree. Usually, they serve it with Belgian fries or mashed potatoes.
With heavenly chocolate creations, festive baked goods and seasonal delicacies, Belgians definitely know how to celebrate Easter holiday in delectable style.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
From special Easter-themed events at museums and farms to entertainment venues organizing dedicated family activities, Easter in Belgium promises oodles of fun for those vacationing with kids:
a). Easter at the Farm:
Pick from family-owned farms across Belgium’s countryside that host fun Easter activities like meeting bunnies, making DIY Easter crafts and joining Easter egg hunts in their orchards.
b). Easter Workshops:
Creative workshops specially designed for kids are hosted across cities over Easter weekend. Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent and more have egg painting, cookie baking, chocolate making and similar hands-on workshops.
c). Amusement Parks:
From Easter egg hunts on pony farms to meeting Easter bunnies, Belgium’s amusement parks pull out all stops to enchant kids over Easter. Plan a day of thrill rides and entertainment for the whole family.
d). Easter bonnet:
Easter bonnet is an integral part of Easter celebrations in Belgium, though it may seem a pretty old school idea. You can see the women donning fancy Easter bonnets to stand out from the rest at church services and easter parades. These bonnets are usually made from simple straw, embellished with flowers, ribbons, feathers, lace and bows. You can see kids get into action with easter bonnet ideas, creating decorative bonnets from craft materials.
With tons of ways to keep little ones entertained and engaged, Easter in Belgium promises to be an unforgettable family vacation full of cultural learning, creativity and priceless memories.
5. Cultural Events and Parades
Belgians love celebrating their heritage and Easter offers the perfect excuse to do so. Dressed in elaborate costumes, lively processions and parades bring cities across Belgium to life:
a). Flower Parade, Brussels:
The historic centre of Brussels hosts a vibrant Flower Parade on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It is the festival of intricate flower floats and dazzling costumes. The performers dance down the Belgian streets in an extravaganza like no other.
b). Crucifixion Pageant, Veurne:
Over 800 citizens participate in this open-air theatre production that emotionally depicts the condemnation and crucifixion of Christ in this historic town near the French border.
c). Landuyt Horseback Procession, Ieper:
Magnificent horses bedecked in garlands and riders dressed in customary outfits participate in this historic parade that has occurred every Palm Sunday since 1927 in Ieper.
Outdoor events like these spellbinding parades and pageants are integral part of Easter in Belgium. Immerse yourself in captivating history and culture as Belgium celebrates Easter 2024 in the most visually resplendent fashion year after year. All you need is a Belgium Schengen Visa from UK.
6. Art Exhibitions and Museums
Easter is a great time to experience Belgium’s vibrant art scene, with numerous museums organizing special exhibitions and events aligned with Easter holidays:
a). Easter Art Workshop, Museum M, Leuven:
Create your own Easter-inspired masterpiece to take home after a curated tour. At this spectacular modern art museum, you’ll find depictions of Easter traditions by Flemish painters.
b). Holy Week Organ Concerts, Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels:
Attend the special Holy Week concerts on antique church organs and rare collections of musical instruments during Easter week at this architectural marvel of a museum.
c). Easter Egg Challenge, Design Museum, Ghent:
The Design Museum organizes interactive Easter design workshop every year. Kids will especially love creating unusual Easter eggs and other artsy objects from everyday materials.
Infuse art and culture into your Easter holidays this year by including Belgium’s splendid museums to your holiday itinerary for a memorable time.
7. Nature and Outdoor Activities
Spring breathes new life across Belgium’s resplendent natural landscape too. Soak in the magic of nature this Easter with these refreshing outdoor ideas:
a). Keukenhof Flower Gardens:
Take a day trip to gaze in awe at more than seven million tulips and other vibrant spring blooms. You can create memories with photographs against this magical landscape interspersed with quaint windmills.
b). Easter Brunch on a Canal Cruise:
Sail by historic towns and architecture along Belgium’s postcard-perfect canals on specialized Easter brunch cruises, some even accompanied by live jazz!
c). Lace up those Walking Shoes:
You can go for Easter hikes or bike rides across Belgium’s countryside and quaint villages. Breathe in the crisp air and admire nature’s spring tapestry and work up an appetite.
d). Easter Egg Hunts:
Parks, gardens and forested areas around Belgium organize fun Easter egg hunts for kids and adults for the chance to win chocolates and Easter gifts upon unearthing these hidden treasures!
Make wholesome memories enjoying nature-oriented activities infused with the excitement of Easter during your holiday this year.
8. Easter-Themed Shopping
Bring a little bit of Easter magic back home through typical souvenirs and specialty products only found around this season:
a). Easter Chocolate Molds:
Take home Belgium’s legendary silky-smooth chocolate by buying Easter-themed chocolate molds to make delicious pralines and treats. Opt for egg, bunny and bell shapes.
b). Handcrafted Easter Eggs:
Decorated with intricate motifs using wax and dyes, these vibrant wooden hand-painted Easter eggs make for fabulous Easter memorabilia to gift loved ones or decorate with.
c). Floral Easter Wreaths:
Available year-round but especially diverse around Easter holidays, shop for handmade floral wreaths in Brussels’ flea markets and stores to adorn your home with Belgium’s signature spring flowers.
d). Easter Beer:
Belgium’s iconic beers get an Easter twist too. Look out for special edition Easter brews from abbey breweries that you can taste or take back home.
Bring a piece of quintessential Easter in Belgium back to your loved ones by shopping for these specialty Easter gifts and goodies exclusive to Belgium.
With surprising customs, mythical connections and eccentric celebrations, Easter festivities in Belgium’s villages let you experience local traditions at their quirkiest!
Conclusion
From breath-taking Easter concerts in medieval churches to crazy egg-hurling rituals, Belgium packs in a plethora of religious and family-centric celebrations for Easter 2024 unlike anywhere else. Its world-famous chocolates, atmospheric open-air markets, returning blooms and special events for kids ensure visitors of all ages can fully embrace the Easter spirit while creating lifelong memories.
As you join locals in observing ancestral customs or partaking of traditional recipes, learning about the origins of these Easter traditions fosters a deeper insight into Belgian culture too.
To book your Belgium Visa Appointment, fill Belgium Tourist Visa application online. Follow some basic guidelines and your Belgium Visa will be sent to you via courier. So come explore the very best Easter attractions Belgium has to offer this year for a one-of-its-kind spring vacation. Happy Easter in advance!
FAQs
A: In 2024, Easter Sunday falls on March 31. The Easter long weekend in Belgium is from March 29 (Good Friday) to April
A: Do try rich chocolate Easter eggs, spiced Easter breads studded with raisins and candied fruits, asparagus wrapped in ham, rabbit gingerbread cookies and more. Also look out for special Easter beers!
Some of the most popular churches for Easter Mass are The St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Liège, the Church of Our Lady in Bruges and St. Nicholas’ Church in Brussels. Even smaller town churches have special Easter services.
Shop for intricately decorated wooden hand-painted Easter eggs, natural floral wreaths, locally molded Easter chocolates, Easter-themed beer and lace to take home as perfect Easter gifts and souvenirs.
Admire spring blooms at the breathtaking Keukenhof flower gardens. Take Easter brunch canal cruises or walking tours across Belgian countryside and medieval villages. Check local farms for fun Easter egg hunts through orchards and forests.
