Belgian Comic Strip Center: This museum in Brussels is dedicated entirely to Belgian comics. It celebrates the history and creators of famous Belgian comics, including The Smurfs and Lucky Luke.

Comic Book Route: In Brussels, you can follow a route that takes you past numerous walls painted with scenes from various famous comic strips, a perfect blend of art and humor on a grand scale.

Belgium, A Nation of Fries

One might associate fries with France, but Belgians would heartily disagree. Belgians claim that they are the true inventors of fries, and they take their fries very seriously. Belgian fries are traditionally sold in paper cones and come with a variety of over 20 different sauces to choose from, making them not just a side dish but a culinary experience.

Friteries: Throughout Belgium, friteries or frietkot, outdoor stalls or small shops, serve up this national dish. Each has its unique touch, from the type of oil used to the frying technique.

Fries Museum: Yes, Belgium even has a museum dedicated to fries! The Frietmuseum in Bruges explores the history of potatoes and the production of Belgian fries.

A Royal Puppet Theater

In the heart of Brussels, the Royal Theatre Toone is a peculiar yet charming aspect of Belgian culture, preserving the age-old tradition of puppetry. This isn’t just any puppet show; it’s performed in local Brussels dialect (Brusseleir) and often features adaptations of classic plays and stories, infused with a unique sense of humor and local satire.

Toone VIII: The current puppet master, known as Toone VIII, continues the tradition passed down through generations since the 19th century, ensuring that both adults and children can enjoy this unique form of entertainment.

Marionette Performances: These aren’t your typical children’s puppet shows. They are sophisticated performances that often include humorous and satirical takes on classic tales, much to the amusement of an adult audience.

The Zinneke Parade

Every two years, Brussels becomes alive with the Zinneke Parade, a colorful, multicultural parade that celebrates the diverse communities within Belgium. The term ‘Zinneke’ refers to a stray dog, symbolizing the mixed, or ‘mongrel’ nature of the city itself. The parade is known for its creative and sometimes bizarre costumes and floats, all designed with a specific theme in mind.

Collaborative Art: The parade is the result of collaboration between schools, artists, and community groups, showcasing a wide array of talents and creativity.

Themes: Each parade has a different theme, often reflecting current social and political issues, and is expressed through the parade’s humor and inventiveness.

Bizarre Festivals

Belgium has no shortage of quirky festivals. From the surreal to the outright bizarre, these events are a testament to the Belgian sense of humor and community spirit.

Crackling Festival: In the town of Kruishoutem, eggs are a serious business. The town hosts an annual festival where thousands of eggs are thrown in a public square and everyone scrambles to grab as many as they can.

Antwerp’s Silly Walk Parade: Inspired by Monty Python’s famous sketch, this parade features participants performing their silliest walks through the streets of Antwerp, a delightful sight that brings laughter and joy to participants and spectators alike.

Conclusion

Belgium may be small, but it is filled with humorous cultural quirks that make it a unique place to visit. From its comic strips painted on city walls to its royal puppet theater and bizarre festivals, Belgium offers a blend of humor and tradition that is sure to delight any visitor. Whether you’re laughing over a cone of fries with a myriad of sauces or watching a surreal puppet show, Belgium’s cultural peculiarities are not just amusing—they are a vital part of the nation’s identity.