Ommegang, Brussels

In Brussels’ most spectacular parade, some 2,000 participants, dressed as Renaissance nobles, guildsmen, mounted soldiers and entertainers, perform an ommegang (tour) in the Grand Place. It’s a tradition said to date back to 1549.

A jolly slice of ancient folklore dating back to 1213. Led by the Confrérie des Compagnons de Saint-Laurent, dressed in wacky costumes, and accompanied by seven traditional giant figures, the participants parade a may tree around central Brussels, before planting it on the corner of the Rue du Marais and Rue des Sables.

This big, rollicking, noisy late-summer fun fair set out along the Boulevard du Midi has the newest rides plus dodgems, roller coasters and all the other old favourites.

Bruges’ biggest day out, the Procession of the Holy Blood follows an 800-year-old tradition: 40 days after Easter, the sacred relic of the Holy Blood is paraded around the streets in a colourful, spectacular, but at heart solemn procession featuring sumptuous medieval and biblical costumes.

First performed in 1958, the Pageant of the Golden Tree takes place in Bruges every five years or so. In a vast costumed parade, the people of the city evoke the glory days of the Burgundian era.

Bruges’ river is the Reie. This festival, held every five years, celebrates its role in the city’s history. A series of historical scenes is performed at night at various points beside the water, creating a magical effect and bringing the city’s architecture to life.

Every five years, this vast flower show takes place in the Flanders Expo trade fair complex to the south-west of the city centre. Ghent’s flower-growing industry is famous above all for its begonias, azaleas, rhododendrons and roses.

An impressive programme of classical music – as well as jazz, world music and dance – takes place across Flanders every summer and autumn, with performances in the main venues, as well as in churches and other historic buildings.

All Saints’ Day is followed by the Jour des Morts, the Day of the Dead – a time when Belgians honour their departed by tidying up the graveyards and filling them with flowers – over 50 million, apparently, mainly chrysanthemums, which glow softly with autumnal colours.

The Feast of St Nicholas (Sinter-klaas in Dutch) is celebrated by children with even greater enthusiasm than Christmas. St Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), dressed as the Bishop of Myra, walks the streets with his blacked-up sidekick Zwarte Piet, and children receive presents, as well as sweets and speculoos biscuits.