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Experience Belgium

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Land of Carnivals

The Carnival of Binche, a world famous carnival & on the UNESCO heritage list, dates back to the 16th century. The colorful celebration attracts thousands of visitors and is highlighted by 'Mardi Gras', an event not to be missed from February 14 through 16, 2010. The Blancs Moussis festivities and parade on March 14, 2010 are a particularly joyful experience with tons of confetti thrown at virtually anything that moves; motorized cannons blast confetti at the crowds and skillfully target second floor flats along the parade route.

Land of Tradition

On May 30, a seven hundred-year old tradition takes place in Mons : Doudou, the procession of the Golden carriage and the Battle of the Lumecon. The Doudou is held on Sunday but the festivities begin the Thursday before and end the following Wednesday. On June 29 & July 1,the Ommegang Pageant, an annual colorful pageant on Brussels' Grand'Place, is celebrated in honor of Emperor Charles V in the 16th century. Come to Brussels August 14 to 17, when the Grand' Place turns into a flowering wonderland during the three-day Tapis de Fleurs. With a million begonias supplied and patterns designed by growers from Belgium, a spectacular floral carpet (tapis) is laid out across the square for this event, held in even number years. Best viewing of this floral tapestry is at the balcony of City Hall (9a.m.-1 p.m.).

Land of History

2010 is the 195 anniversary of the battle of Waterloo and a major historical re-enactment will takes place in June 18-20. Every year, about 1,200 uniformed military enthusiasts gather in the same orchard in which the Imperial Guard descended on June 16 and 17, 1815. Festivities start on Friday June 18 at 10pm with a fireworks extravaganza. On Saturday June 19, visit of the Napoleon's camp grounds to discover the life of his soldiers. The highlight of the week-end will be the re-enactment of the battle on Sunday starting at 9:30 am. In December, Battle of the Bulge will celebrate its 66th anniversary.

Land of Jazz

Belgium, where in 1846 the saxophone was invented in the town of Dinant, is bursting with musical events. In May, Liege will have its international Jazz festival, a prestigious jazz rendezvous gathering Belgian and foreign stars on May 7 -8 & Brussels will host the Jazz marathon weekend, 125 free concerts and more than 450 musicians await jazz lovers on the biggest squares in Brussels on May 28-30. In Brussels, Young pianists will be honored during the prestigious Queen Elisabeth music competition on May 3-29 & in Dinant, saxophone players will compete in the prestigious International Competition Adolphe Sax held only every 4 years from November 3 to 13, 2010.

Land of Cinema

The critically acclaimed Dardennes Brothers, who received numerous awards at Cannes and others, put Belgium on the movie map. New York will celebrate them and several Belgian directors every Tuesday in March during "The Whimsical World of Belgian Cinema" at the French institute alliance francaise. The hightlight of the month will be on March 30, when award-winning Belgian actress & director Yolande Moreau will present her film "When the Sea rises". The festival will also feature the New York premiere of "Largo Winch".

Land of Biking

Southern-Belgium has long been known for its spring classic races, such as La Fleche Wallonne (April 21) & Liege-Bastogne-Liege (April 25). This year, Brussels & the southern-Belgian town of Spa will host two stages of the 2010 Tour de France. With more than 80% of Belgian forests located in the south and with various rivers and streams running though it, biking, hiking and kayaking are always a delight. And for more information on these and other activities in Southern Belgium, check out the special interests page on our website.

For more information visit www.visitbelgium.com

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