Local products market and street fair (Markt Straffe Streek)
Sample regional specialties and browse the vendors booths; good time to arrive early for activities.
~11:00 - 17:00
Tienen Giants & Folk Games
Kweikersdag
Tienen, Belgium
Oct 10, 2026ConfirmedSource
On the Saturday nearest October 10, the town of Tienen celebrates Kweikersdag with street markets, music, a parade, and a procession of giant puppets known as the Tiense reuzen. The name comes from the locals' own nickname, the Tiense Kweikers, and the day is a proud celebration of the town itself.
Key moments
Day 1 · Oct 10
Grand Giants' Parade (Reuzenoptocht)
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.
~14:30
De Lazuur (Community Relay Race)
Cheer for community teams as they race; a lively and competitive atmosphere. Spectators often wave flags and make noise to support their favorite district.
~17:00
Where it happens
Grote Markt
Tienen, Belgium
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Learn a few Dutch greetings
Read the local rhythm
Consider buying a contrei flag (available at tourist info) to show support
Prepare before you go
And bring ear protection if you plan to stand close to drumming or loud music.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
The central square and parade routes get crowded, especially during the giants' parade and the Lazuur race finish.
Weather
October weather can be cool or rainy; the event is outdoors, so dress in layers and consider rain gear.
Transport
Local buses (lines 42, 60, 66, 67, 339) serve the city; trains from Brussels and Leuven stop at Tienen station.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Tienen is a safe city and the event is well-organized. Usual urban precautions apply.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Tienen Giants & Folk Games
Kweikersdag
Tienen, Belgium
On the Saturday nearest October 10, the town of Tienen celebrates Kweikersdag with street markets, music, a parade, and a procession of giant puppets known as the Tiense reuzen. The name comes from the locals' own nickname, the Tiense Kweikers, and the day is a proud celebration of the town itself.
Easy first visitEasy first festival
Oct 10, 2026Confirmed dates
Recently verified
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The story behind it
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 ommeg...
Key moments to know
Day 1Oct 103 moments
Local products market and street fair (Markt Straffe Streek)
Sample regional specialties and browse the vendors booths; good time to arrive early for activities.
Grand Giants' Parade (Reuzenoptocht)
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.
De Lazuur (Community Relay Race)
Cheer for community teams as they race; a lively and competitive atmosphere. Spectators often wave flags and make noise to support their favorite district.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Learn a few Dutch greetings
Read the local rhythm
Consider buying a contrei flag (available at tourist info) to show support
Prepare before you go
And bring ear protection if you plan to stand close to drumming or loud music.
Respect local boundaries
Stand behind barriers along parade routes and following any instructions from staff. Do not enter the race area...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Oct 10, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Tienen
Tienen
Access
Brussels Airport (BRU) · 45 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-80; Mid-range: €100-150; Comfort: €200+
Atmosphere
The festival atmosphere is festive and upbeat, with music, parades,...
The central square and parade routes get crowded, especia...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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