What do Belgians do on Christmas?

As a former Christian nation, Belgium used to celebrate in a very traditional way with a multi course dinner on Christmas Eve, attendance at midnight mass and a visit to the greater family on Christmas Day. But young families tend to view Christmas more and more as a cosy gathering rather than a religious feast.

What are some Belgian traditions?

What do Belgians call Santa?

On 6 December, Sinterklaas or "de Sint" in Flemish and Saint-Nicolas in French, brings presents to well-behaved children in Belgium. He can be described as a more serious version of Santa Claus. The character has its origins in Nicholas of Myra, a Greek bishop from Myra who lived in the fourth century AD.

How do people in Belgium say Merry Christmas?

Belgian Christmas Traditions

In the Dutch/Flemish language you say Merry Christmas as 'Vrolijk Kerstfeest', French is 'Joyeux Noël' , in German it's 'Frohe Weihnachten' and in the Walloon dialect it's 'djoyeus Noyé'.

Do Belgians go to church on Christmas?

Belgian Christmas food and celebrations

Christmas is on 25 December. It is a religious occasion, with services in churches and quiet family gatherings. Families bake special cakes and serve them during the holiday season. A traditional dessert is a chocolate Christmas log, made of sponge roll, layered with cream.

What To Do In Belgium at Christmas | Visiting Bruges, Brussels and Ghent

Is Belgium very religious?

Belgium's religious tradition is Catholic, although Protestant churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are found in most cities. About 65% of the population is Christian, of which 58% are Catholic. Members of Protestant, Eastern Orthodox churches and other Christian denominations make up 7%.

Is Belgium good for Christmas?

There's a reason why this fairytale city is a favourite winter destination, as Bruges in winter is remarkable, with the best Christmas market in Belgium and some wonderful Christmas festive traditions, from St Nicolas arriving by boat to the traditional Yule Christmas chocolate log. Bruges has it all.

What is Belgium famous for?

What is Belgium famous for? Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and its national football team, the Red Devils. Belgium is also home to NATO headquarters and to the EU Commission and European Parliament. Brussels is often referred to as the capital of the EU.

How do you say I love you in Belgian?

Ik zie je graag

Of course, the Flemish prefer to have form follow function and thought up a way around this expression. Unlike in the Netherlands, Belgian Dutch speakers will often say something along the lines of ik zie je graag instead of ik hou van jou.

What does Belgium celebrate?

The latest Google Doodle celebrates Belgium National Day 2023, also known as the Belgian National Day or the National Day of Belgium which is observed on July 21 every year. On this day, Belgians enjoy a public holiday and recall the history of the country. The day holds great significance for the country's people.

Is Santa Dutch or German?

The modern figure of Santa is based on folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, the English figure of Father Christmas, the German Belsnickel and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas.

What is the name for Belgians?

Belgians (Dutch: Belgen; French: Belges; German: Belgier pronounced [ˈbɛlɡi̯ɐ]) are people identified with the Kingdom of Belgium, a federal state in Western Europe.

What does Santa look like in Belgium?

Sinterklaas – Saint Nicholas Day Celebration in Belgium and the Netherlands. Sinterklaas is an old tradition dating back to the 3rd century. In fact, the name Santa Claus comes from the name Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is an elderly man with white hair and a long beard.

What is hello in Belgium?

In Dutch (Flemish), which is spoken in Flanders and parts of Brussels: "Hallo" or "Hoi" (informal). In French, which is spoken in Wallonia and parts of Brussels: "Bonjour" (formal) or "Salut" (informal). In German, which is spoken in a small area of eastern Belgium: "Hallo" or "Guten Tag.

How do you show respect in Belgium?

What is Belgium's national dish?

Belgium's national dish – Moules-Frites – has frites as a side dish alongside it. Mussels are popular in Belgium because they are raised in the coastal areas and are cheap compared to clams and oysters. Mussels have a pleasant briny seafood flavor and are prepared in many ways.

How do Belgium people flirt?

Flirting and body language

If you are invited to a group event or dinner party, it's common for Belgian men to shake the hand of the host; as well as everyone else in the room. They will also kiss the cheeks of women who are close acquaintances.

How do you say no in Belgium?

If you want to use the local language, it will be “non” in French, “nee” in Dutch and “nein” in German. To be complete: “Flemish” is not a language, even not a dialect, but just a form of Dutch, as it is spoken in Belgium, with only minor differences to the official Dutch.

Can I speak English in Belgium?

Most Belgians will also speak or at least understand English. In hotels and restaurants, employees will normally speak English, especially in the more touristy areas; therefore, you will probably not need to practise your French or Dutch.

What is Belgium proud of?

Belgium is characterised by a flourishing economy and a comparatively high GDP. It is also proud of its early industrialisation, as the first European railway line was built on the continent in 1835 between Brussels and Mechelen.

Are Belgian men tall?

At an average height of 1.82 metres Belgian men are only one place off being the world's tallest men. Furthermore they are just 1 cm shorter than their Dutch neighbours. Belgian men have had quite a growth spurt.

What are 5 facts about Belgium?

Where is the most Christmassy place in Belgium?

Liège is proud to be the very first Belgian city to feature a Christmas market, also claiming to have the largest in the country. Downtown Liège transforms into a Christmas village during the holiday season where little wooden chalets let you shop to your heart's content.

Is Brussels fun for Christmas?

Every year, our capital pulls out all the stops to offer them an unforgettable experience. Cosy Christmas markets, magical illuminations and crazy attractions transport the public to a winter wonderland. A destination worthy of the finest fairy tales, Brussels is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas.

Does it snow in Belgium at Christmas?

There's little temperature variation in winter and it's rare you'll see much higher than 4°C on holiday. Snowfall is more likely in the hills on the east of Belgium, but you could still have a few light snow showers in December. Temperatures are very low in December with a daily average of just 4°C.