Kweikersdag (Tienen Giants & Folk Games)Kweikersdag
Tienen, Belgium
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🎟 Free entry
FestivalAtlas
Kweikersdag is an annual city festival celebrating local pride in Tienen, Flemish Brabant. Each year on the Saturday closest to 10 October, the town holds street markets, music and a parade. The day features a giant puppet procession (referred to as the Tiense 'reuzen') and traditional relay races (De Lazuur) among city districts. It is a lively community event showcasing local cuisine markets, performances by local bands and folkloric contests, offering visitors a colorful glimpse of Tienen's engaged community spirit.
The name 'Kweikersdag' refers to the nickname 'Tiense Kweikers' (Coots) that locals gave themselves, deriving from a 19th-century church story. The festival was inaugurated in 2015 to mark Tienen's 1000-year anniversary, and has since become an annual feestdag (day of celebration) for the city. It blends modern celebrations with age-old local traditions like the stadsgedicht (city poem) recital and reuzenommegang (giant ommegang).
Venues and routes
Grote Markt · Tienen
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Sat, Oct 10
The parade starts at Grote Markt and winds through the streets, concluding on the square.
Arrive early and find a spot along the route. The parade is colorful and loud; children may stand on tiptoe to watch the giants pass by.
Teams from Tienen’s districts pass decorated sheep in a relay on Grote Markt to win the prize banner.
Cheer for community teams as they race; a lively and competitive atmosphere. Spectators often wave flags and make noise to support their favorite district.
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
Practical notes refreshed Apr 9.
High crowds · Lively energy
The central square and parade routes get crowded, especially during the giants' parade and the Lazuur race finish.
Tienen is a safe city and the event is well-organized. Usual urban precautions apply.
October weather can be cool or rainy · The festival proceeds in light rain
Daily budget: €50-80 · Drinks: €2-5 for beer or soft drinks
Bring your own water bottle and snacks, eat at local cafés instead of event stalls.
From center: Festival area. · Main festival areas on the Grote Markt are flat cobblestone and wheelchair accessible with assistance