There are around twelve public holidays in Belgium with the important ones being New Year’s Day (1 January), Easter, Pentecost and Armistice Day (11 November). Christmas is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year.

July and August is the prime festive season when there are a number of celebrations. The Ommegang Pageant marked by parades and colourful costumes is quite and important celebration. It is celebrated on the first Thursday of July. National Day in Belgium is celebrated on 21 July, and it starts off the Brussels Fair which goes on for a month.

The country is also host to numerous music and art festivals that go on all through the year. Dour Festival, Gentse Feesten and Rock Werchter are some of the popular ones.