Living in Belgium - Cultural and social life

Belgium's rich cultural history (it has been a country since 1830) stands up very well to comparison with the cultural tradition of larger, and older, European countries. This situation is manifestly reflected in the arts: many Flemish / Belgian masters have an internationally leading role. Flemish weavers supplied rugs and carpets to all the European courts. There have also been well-known Belgians in the fields of fashion, dance, exhibitions, chocolate, beer, music and technology (ship lifts, space travel). Spa is an international name for cures.

Because Belgium lies at the heart of Europe, it is a meeting point of influences from other countries. Its cities are meeting points par excellence for artists and art-lovers.

Each city has its own cinema complex. Symphony orchestras perform in every town. There are a great many professional and amateur theatre companies. Not only are there professional sports such as football, cycling, judo, volleyball, tennis and motocross, in which the Belgians are among the best in the world, but also lots of amateur sports. There is a lively and varied range of club activities, from scouts and tango to archery. From the accessible nature of the Ardennes to artificial pistes in towns, you can climb, abseil or ski. Or go rambling, for a cycle ride or for a long hike. Much of the mediaeval architecture and culture remains intact. In the summer there are many music festivals (sometimes lasting several days), rock, pop, folk, even festivals for children and parents.

Belgians are famed for their gastronomy. Beer was invented by the Benedictines. What wine is to France, beer is to Belgium. From the golden Pils to the rich abbey beers: beer is the national drink. Nowhere else in the world are there so many different varieties of this foaming liquid. Numerous breweries provide the hundreds of coveted types of beer that Belgium produces (and consumes). The famous Trappist beer is brewed at various monasteries. In contrast to many other European countries, cafés and night clubs stay open late into the night.

You can often find references to Belgium in old cookbooks. Belgium is also a leading player in modern 'haute cuisine'. Per head of population, Belgium has as many Michelin stars as France! Belgium enjoys an excellent gastronomic reputation on the international stage. There are at least 80 different types of cheese (proportionally more than France, the Netherlands and Switzerland combined), more than 400 types of Belgian pralines and a wide variety of cakes, pancakes and waffles, tarts and 'vlaaien' (fruit desserts typical of the Limburg province). In addition to the typical products, there are also typical dishes. Each region has its own speciality. Be sure to try 'carbonnades' (stewed meat) and chips, chicory and Gent's 'waterzooi' (chicken casserole). Mussels are practically Belgium's national dish (despite being imported from the Netherlands). You will find many shops, restaurants and brasseries with an exotic flavour. Supermarkets contain a wide range of foreign products: from olives and feta to Thai mixing oil and kosher cakes.

A Belgian is described as a bon vivant, reserved and cautious. It is sometimes said that you only hear a true Belgian speak whilst eating.

No rights can be derived from this text.

Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
Reproduction is authorised.