Colors of Brugge - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The residents of the city celebrate their main national holiday on July 21. On this day in 1831 the great King Leopold became the ruler of the kingdom, declaring its independence. Since that time July 21 has become a significant event and the time of conducting various folk festivals, which are traditionally accompanied by lively street performances, festivals and fairs.

Accuracy and diligence have remained one of the main traits of local residents. Starting from ancient times, this place has become widely famous for high quality lace and weapons. It’s amazing and surprising that the masters of those time could equally control both thin and fragile materials, and steel. Currently Bruges is a major center for production of electronics, so the local people never cease to amaze visitors with their talents.

Travelers can buy beautiful jewelry as a souvenir in Bruges. It is believed that the local jewelers cut diamonds according to special rules and use the same method of processing gemstones as their ancestors many centuries ago. The local inhabitants are very friendly to tourists who are just captivated by the kindness and hospitality of the city’s people. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

An important religious holiday called Day of the Holy Blood is celebrated annually in Bruges. The celebration does not have the exact date and depends on what day Easter is celebrated this year. It is believed that local residents started celebrating the Feast of the Holy Blood in 1149 when the Flemish Count brought a valuable relic to the city - a vessel with the blood of Jesus Christ. The count won this valuable relic in a crusade. When residents found out about this relic, they turned to the count with a request to bow to the religious shrine. Gradually, the rumors about the precious vessel spread throughout the country and further, attracting pilgrims from different countries to Bruges. Currently over one hundred thousands of pilgrims come to the city on this memorable day. A massive procession is held in the city, the participants of which are dressed in ancient costumes of the clergy and knights.

The city of Bruges is the place where the counterpoint is seen at every step. An amazing combination of the astonishing medieval architecture of Western Europe and modern culture create the unforgettable atmosphere. By the way, did you know that Bruges is also called the "Northern Venice"? The number of channels and waterways flowing into the North Sea can spot Venice itself. Also, people of Bruges enjoy celebrating various holidays and welcome tourists from all over the world. The biggest attention they pay to religious holidays, and one of the most honoured is the Procession of the Holy Blood. It is the considerable religious event making a part of cultural heritage of the country. Annually, tens of thousands of people take part in a solemn procession, putting on suits of ancient knights and monks. This procession represents and reminds about the first crusades when the Flemish count received a sacred the relic of Blood of Christ.

Feest in 't Park, is one of the main events of summer. Every year, at the end of June, in the Bruges central park hundreds of families gather to enjoy time during the event. Tourists are always welcomed to share the joy and fun. During the festival you will be offered to enjoy various entertainments for free, starting from master classes in crafts and finishing with tasting the beer. In the centre of the park you here is a big open-air stage, where musicians from different countries will entertain you. Moreover, you can get a free lesson of folk dances of Belgian, African, Indian and Arab cultures. Within the festival, you have a chance to purchase various crafts and souvenirs on the trade fair. In a gastronomic zone, visitors will be suggested to try national dishes and to buy unusual products.

In the case, you missed Feest in 't Park in June, you will have the chance to have fun during another festival called Moods! It takes place at the end of July and in the first days of August. Within two full weeks, a lot of musical performances and unforgettable fireworks will be established in the most notable places of interest in Bruges like the yard of Beffroi belltower. In a unique environment, you will be able to enjoy the best national and international performances at one of eight evening concerts. Moreover, concerts will take place at Burg Square and the entrance is free.