Page 302 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

300  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Mixed Arts and Music
Festivals
The Europalia festival is a
biennial, countrywide event,
focussing on a specific theme,
usually the culture of a chosen
foreign partner-country. Lasting
four months, it presents an
ambitious programme of fine
music, cinema, dance, theatre
and literary events. Belgium’s
most warm-spirited annual
festival is De Gentse Feesten (see
p36), a centuries-old celebration
where perform ers, buskers, rock Antwerp’s energetic nightlife at the upbeat Petrol Club
groups and jazz bands com pete Casinos
for the attention of a lively crowd. flock to the Café d’Anvers,
The Fêtes de Wallonie (see p38) is There are several casinos in a former church located in
an equally eclectic mix. Belgium, where visitors can play Antwerp’s red light district, that
roulette, blackjack, stud poker, was turned into a house club in
slot machines and so on. The 1991. Petrol Club blends hip-hop,
Parades and Local most famous are the Casino electro and rock on its big nights
Festivals Knokke and the Casino on Fridays and Saturdays. Red
Pageants and parades fill the Oostende, but there are others and Blue is a famous gay club
streets of towns and cities at Namur, Blankenberge and in the city. The Latin-American
across Belgium throughout the Middelkerke. Associated originally oriented Café Local is also worth
year. There are several famous with spa towns, Flemish casinos a visit. Ghent’s most famous
carnival parades marking Lent, still carry the name Kursaal (Cure nightspot is Culture Club. Lier
most notably at Binche and Hall). Spa itself has Casino de has a reputation for nightlife
Stavelot, as well as cos tumed Spa, while the capital city has that far exceeds the town’s size,
religious proces sions (see pp36– Grand Casino Brussels. Most attracting clubbers from countries
9) at Bruges, Mechelen, Tournai, esta blish ments have a relaxed across the borders and the
Dendermonde, Mons, Veurne atmosphere with a smart-casual Netherlands in particular. Its most
and a number of other cities dress code. Many also welcome famous clubs are Illusion and
across the country, each with its guests who arrive simply to relax La Rocca. Bruges has a lively but
own distinctive flavour. Belgian at the bar in the early hours. mercurial clubbing scene – it is
towns also have local fairs – best to ask at the tourist office
some times called kermesse or Clubs and Discos or at a youth hostel for the
kermis. These are generally current popular spots. There
celebrated with a parade, a Antwerp has an international are many other clubs and
fun fair and several assorted reputation for its spirited club-life. discos, with listings on the
musical events. Clubbers from across the country Noctis site (see p93).

Colourful costumes at a traditional festival parade in Brussels’s Grand Place

300-301_EW_Belgium.indd 300 18/10/16 3:03 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm