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Belgium Culture Loving life is one of the chief features of Belgian culture. Whether it is the fine, French influenced cuisine, Belgium’s world-class beer, sinfully delicious chocolate, a variety of international music and film festivals during the summer and some of Europe’s most lively, entertaining cities that go all out, all throughout the year, Belgium is a small country that is teeming with cultural delight.
Most Belgians throughout the country can be characterized as outgoing and exceptionally friendly toward foreigners. Travelers find integration and localization in Belgian society to be a smooth and comfortable process. This openness, combined with unprecedented opportunities and value in the real estate market, has served to attract growing number of longtime foreign residents, not to mention tourists who find this country as comfortable as it is enchanting.
And with Belgium’s rapid development in industries ranging from consumer services to high-tech, career and relocation opportunities have never been better. At the same time, Belgium retains the cultural traits and artistic greats that have always made it a popular destination.
One of the most fascinating cultural aspects of this country is the great divide between north and south. While the northerly Flemish speak Dutch and pride themselves on folksy hospitality, medieval cities and affinity with the likes of the Dutch painter Rembrandt, the French-speaking southerners – Walloon, as they are called – claim their urban capital in Brussels, which is also the capital of Europe: a vibrant, bustling economic powerhouse sparkling with affluence and cosmopolitan charm.
Three-quarters of Belgians are Roman Catholic, although many wouldn’t be considered day-to-day practitioners and they would be hard pressed to confess regular attendance at Mass. Nevertheless, religious festivals in Belgium still run strong and every small town throughout the diverse regions of this country will take pride in an ornate religious procession at key points throughout the year. The pomp and fanfare surrounding these events is gorgeous, rivaling that of Spain, and oftentimes tourists miss out because they are designed for the religious calendar, not the vacation schedule. Thus the authentic, local touch makes Belgium’s local festivals truly a treat for those who are fortunate enough to happen by them.
Politically speaking, Belgian culture in recent years has largely moved beyond its legacy of domestic infighting, as it assumes greater responsibility as host to the EU’s institutions. Language and identity issues rear their heads from time to time, but disagreements have lost much of the sharpness and acrimony that defined earlier domestic splits.
Indeed, the highly ironical style of Belgian humor has steered the country through some dark passages, allowing the nation to overcome both foreign aggressors and strife from within. The Belgian wit is as an essential part of life here.
With the presence of the EU drawing many of Europe’s best and brightest, industry has taken root in a new way. Long the site of an industrious and innovative local population, Belgium is increasingly welcoming of immigration. The new, international Belgium is a country with a rapidly changing face, though local traditions and social customs remain strong.
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