Meyboon Festival, Brussels 2011

The plantation of the Meyboom on the corner of the Rue du Marais and the Rue des Sables is an old, folklore event in Brussels. The Mayboom (maypole) is raised in Brussels, on the anniversary of a wedding which took place in 1213. A posse of costumed locals accompanies the pole (actually a tree) from the Sablon to the Grand Place.

According to legend, the wedding party was ambushed by a gang of youths from Leuven. When the unwanted youths were finally dispatched, the happy couple were entitled to honour their saviour, Saint Laurence, by planting a May tree on his saint's day every year.

The tradition still survives today, and has grown to become one of the major events on Brussels' heritage calendar. It is even recognized by the UNESCO.

This event takes place on Tuesday 9th Aug 2011 in the Place du Grand Sablon. The procession begins at 2pm with the tree being planted 5pm. There is then a bonfire 8.30pm

Brussels Events; The Ommegang Brussels 2011

On the first Thursday of July and the previous Tuesday every summer, the Ommegang lights up the magnificent of Brussels.

During the Ommegang a whole medieval village will be created at Place du Grand Sablon, with free entry for everyone. Knights combating on foot and horses, falconry, are some of the activities that will combine history with pleasure over the three days event.

The expression "Ommegang" meaning "procession" is derived from the old Flemish words "omme" (around) and "gang" (walk).More than 1400 performers will help you relive an historic event in Brussels History; In 1549, he people of Brussels welcomed 'the greatest Emperor of all times' and showed him a reception worthy of that immense nobleman.

For the visitor to Brussels,the pageant offers an extravagant historical portrait of Belgium, and is well worth a visit.

The Ommegang takes place at Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 July 2011 (9pm).The show begins at 9 pm on the Grand Place of Brussels