Opening Ceremony and Procession Departure
Visitors gather at Rue des Sables to watch a noon ceremony and the colourful parade set out through the city.
~12:00
Meyboom: Brussels Joy Tree Planting
Plantation du Meyboom
Brussels, Belgium
Dates to be announcedDates pending
Each August 9, the people of Brussels plant the Meyboom, the city's "tree of joy," at a street corner in the old center. The maypole and its merry parade celebrate a medieval victory over rival Leuven, in a celebration whose roots reach back to 1213, one of the city's oldest living folk traditions.
Documentation note
FestivalAtlas keeps this celebration available for timing and respectful planning without inviting public footage.
How we decideKey moments
Aug 9
Presentation at Grand-Place
Spectators see giant puppets, fanfares and folklore troupes in Brussels’ iconic main square.
~14:00
Planting of the Meyboom
Onlookers witness guards and tree-bearers racing against time to raise the tree, after which celebrations erupt if completed in time.
~16:30
Where it happens
Rue des Sables & Rue du Marais intersection
Brussels, Belgium
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Comfortable clothes for an outdoor parade
Arrive before peak flow
Stand or sit behind crowd barriers if present. Do not interfere with the Buumdroegers or Ga...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Documented conservatively
Context first. No public coverage mission.
FestivalAtlas keeps Meyboom: Brussels Joy Tree Planting available for timing, cultural context, and respectful planning, without inviting public footage or contributor coverage for this event.
No media solicitation shownHow we decide
REGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Meyboom: Brussels Joy Tree Planting
Plantation du Meyboom
Brussels, Belgium
Each August 9, the people of Brussels plant the Meyboom, the city's "tree of joy," at a street corner in the old center. The maypole and its merry parade celebrate a medieval victory over rival Leuven, in a celebration whose roots reach back to 1213, one of the city's oldest living folk traditions.
Dates pendingDates still pending
Under the radarStill under the radar
Dates to be announcedDates pending
Checking soon
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About Meyboom: Brussels Joy Tree Planting
The Meyboom is rooted in a 13th-century legend about beer taxes and a wedding party raid: after Brussels defeated its rival Leuven in 1213, Duke John I of Brabant granted Brussels the privilege to plant a May-tree on St. Lawrence’s Day (9 August) each year, as long as it is erected by 5:00 p.m. Otherwise, the “privilege” would pass to Leuven. The right has been faithfully upheld ever since. Folkloric brotherhoods (such as the Companions of Saint-Laurentiu...
Respect the procession route and local customs (no pushing or shouting at participants). This is a cherished tradition symbolizing Brussels’ heritage.
What visitors should understand
Attendance can be appropriate while active documentation is not. Let local boundaries define your role.
What not to do
unrestricted
Observation may be enough
Some celebrations are best approached quietly: arrive prepared, follow posted rules, and leave without turning the moment into content.
The story behind it
The Meyboom is rooted in a 13th-century legend about beer taxes and a wedding party raid: after Brussels defeated its rival Leuven in 1213, Duke John I of Brabant granted Brussels the privilege to plant a May-tree on St. Lawrence’s Day (9 August) each year, as long as it is erected by 5:00 p.m. Otherwise, the “privilege” would pass to Leuven. The right has been faithfully upheld ever since. Folkloric brotherhoods (such as the...
Key moments to know
Aug 93 moments
Aug 9~12:00Expected
Opening Ceremony and Procession Departure
Visitors gather at Rue des Sables to watch a noon ceremony and the colourful parade set out through the city.
Aug 9~14:00Expected
Presentation at Grand-Place
Spectators see giant puppets, fanfares and folklore troupes in Brussels’ iconic main square.
Aug 9~16:30Expected
Planting of the Meyboom
Onlookers witness guards and tree-bearers racing against time to raise the tree, after which celebrations erupt if completed in time.
How to show up well
respectful presence
Dress for the setting
Comfortable clothes for an outdoor parade
Arrive before peak flow
Stand or sit behind crowd barriers if present. Do not interfere with the Buumdroegers or Gardevils. Observe res...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Dates to be announced
Not Announced
City / Area
Brussels
Brussels-Capital Region
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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