Kerstmis in Belgium
Kerstmis is a holiday in Belgium.
When is Kerstmis in Belgium
Kerstmis is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Belgium.
About Kerstmis in Belgium
Kerstmis, also known as Christmas, is a widely celebrated holiday in Belgium. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and enjoy the festive spirit. Here are some key aspects of the Kerstmis holiday in Belgium:
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Dates: Kerstmis is celebrated on December 25th, just like in many other countries around the world. However, the festivities often start a few days earlier and continue until January 6th, which is known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day.
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Decorations: Belgian cities and towns are beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. Streets, houses, and shops are adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees. The most famous Christmas market in Belgium is held in Brussels, where visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, buy gifts, and taste traditional Belgian treats.
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Traditional Food: Food plays a significant role in Belgian Christmas celebrations. Families gather to enjoy a festive meal, which often includes roasted meats like turkey or goose, accompanied by various side dishes such as potato croquettes, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce. Desserts like speculoos (spiced shortbread cookies), Belgian waffles, and chocolate are also popular during this time.
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Gift-Giving: Like in many other countries, gift-giving is an integral part of the Kerstmis tradition in Belgium. Families exchange presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Belgian version of Santa Claus, who brings gifts for them on the night of December 5th.
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Religious Celebrations: Belgium has a strong Christian tradition, and many people attend midnight Mass or other religious services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Churches are beautifully decorated, and carol singing is a common practice during these services.
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Special Events: Apart from Christmas markets, Belgium also hosts various special events during the holiday season. Ice skating rinks are set up in many cities, and Christmas concerts, parades, and performances are organized to entertain both locals and tourists.
Overall, Kerstmis in Belgium is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It brings families and friends closer, allows people to indulge in delicious food, and creates a magical atmosphere throughout the country.
History of Kerstmis in Belgium
Kerstmis, also known as Christmas, is a major holiday in Belgium and is celebrated by both the Flemish-speaking and French-speaking communities. The history of Kerstmis in Belgium is deeply intertwined with the country’s religious and cultural heritage.
The origins of Christmas celebrations can be traced back to the early Christian period. In Belgium, as in many other European countries, the celebration of Christmas was influenced by both Christian traditions and pagan winter solstice celebrations.
During the Middle Ages, Christmas was primarily a religious holiday in Belgium, marked by church services and the nativity story. The focus was on the birth of Jesus Christ and the religious significance of the event. The period leading up to Christmas, known as Advent, was a time of preparation and reflection.
Over time, various customs and traditions associated with Christmas developed in Belgium. These included the decoration of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts, and the singing of Christmas carols. The figure of Saint Nicholas, known as Sinterklaas in Dutch-speaking regions and Saint-Nicolas in French-speaking regions, also became an important part of the Christmas celebrations.
In the Flemish-speaking region of Flanders, Sinterklaas is traditionally celebrated on December 6th. Children receive gifts and sweets from Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters). This celebration is distinct from the Christmas festivities, although it is often seen as a precursor to Kerstmis.
In the French-speaking region of Wallonia, the celebration of Christmas is more closely associated with the nativity story and the birth of Jesus. Midnight Mass is an important part of the Christmas Eve tradition, and families gather to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.
In recent years, the commercial aspects of Christmas, such as Santa Claus and gift-giving, have become more prominent in Belgium. Many cities and towns are beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas markets are set up, offering a variety of goods and treats.
Overall, Kerstmis in Belgium is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It combines religious traditions with cultural customs, creating a unique and festive atmosphere throughout the country.
How is Kerstmis celebrated in Belgium
Kerstmis, or Christmas, is celebrated in Belgium with various traditions and customs. Here are some common practices:
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Christmas Markets: Throughout December, Christmas markets pop up in cities and towns across Belgium. These markets offer a festive atmosphere with stalls selling gifts, decorations, food, and drinks. The most famous Christmas market is held in Brussels.
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Nativity Scenes: Many Belgians set up nativity scenes, called “kerststallen,” in their homes or churches. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus and often include figurines, lights, and decorations.
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Christmas Eve: On the evening of December 24th, families gather for a festive meal. Traditional dishes may include roasted meat, fish, or game, served with vegetables and potatoes. After dinner, families exchange gifts and attend midnight Mass.
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Christmas Day: December 25th is a public holiday in Belgium, and families often come together for another special meal. Some people also attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
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Santa Claus: In Belgium, Santa Claus is known as “Sinterklaas” or “Saint Nicholas.” He traditionally arrives on a white horse from Spain on December 6th, bringing gifts for children. However, the influence of the American Santa Claus has also made its way into Belgian celebrations, and many families exchange gifts on Christmas Day.
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Christmas Decorations: Belgians decorate their homes with Christmas lights, ornaments, and wreaths. Christmas trees are also popular, and families enjoy decorating them with lights, baubles, and tinsel.
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Christmas Foods: Traditional Belgian Christmas foods include “kerststronk” (Yule log cake), “speculaas” (spiced cookies), “oliebollen” (fried doughnuts), and “advocaat” (a creamy alcoholic beverage).
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Carol Singing: Carol singing, known as “kerstzang,” is a common practice during the Christmas season. Groups of singers go door-to-door, singing traditional Christmas songs and spreading holiday cheer.
Overall, Kerstmis in Belgium is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas.
Dates
Kerstmis will be celebrated in Belgium on 2023-12-25, 2024-12-25, 2025-12-25, 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25 in the comming years.
