1. Comic Strip Walls: In Brussels alone, there are over 50 murals dedicated to comic strips. Walking around the city, you’re likely to bump into a giant Tintin, Smurfs, or Lucky Luke adorning the sides of buildings.

2. Dedicated Comic Strip Route: For enthusiasts, there’s a designated route in Brussels that guides you through various iconic comic strip murals spread across the city.

3. The Smurfs: Did you know that the Smurfs, a global phenomenon, originated in Belgium? Their creator, Peyo, was Belgian, and these little blue characters are celebrated widely across the country.

The Fry Debate: French or Belgian?

In Belgium, fries are more than just a side dish; they’re a point of national pride and a subject of a humorous debate on their origin. Belgians claim that fries originated from Belgium and not France, and they have historical claims to back this up. The ongoing dispute between which country can rightfully claim fries is a source of endless jokes among locals and tourists alike. Here’s why Belgians are passionate about their fries:

1. Friteries: Across Belgium, you’ll find ‘friteries’ which are small shops or stands offering fries served with a variety of sauces, the most popular being mayonnaise, not ketchup.

2. UNESCO Recognition: Belgium is currently campaigning for its fries to be recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage, a testament to their significance in Belgian culture.

3. Fry Museum: Yes, there’s a Frietmuseum dedicated to the history of potatoes and the production of fries located in Bruges, which underscores the importance of fries in Belgian culture.

Three Official Languages

One of the most amusing facts about Belgium is its linguistic landscape. Belgium officially recognizes three languages: Dutch, French, and German. This multilingualism leads to some comical situations and confusion, especially for foreigners. Here’s how:

1. Language Shifts: Depending on where you are in Belgium, the primary language changes dramatically. You could start your morning in a Dutch-speaking region, have lunch in a French-speaking area, and end your day in a small German-speaking community.

2. Multilingual Signage: Road signs and public notices can switch languages abruptly, which can be amusing (and sometimes confusing) for visitors.

3. Jokes about Language: Belgians often make jokes about the language skills of their fellow countrymen, particularly when it comes to which region has the “best” French or Dutch pronunciation.

The Battle of the Waffles

Belgium is famous for its waffles, and no discussion about Belgian quirks is complete without mentioning the rivalry between the different types of Belgian waffles. Here are the two main contenders:

1. Brussels Waffles: These are larger, lighter, crispier, and typically served with whipped cream, strawberries, or chocolate.

2. Liege Waffles: These are richer, denser, sweeter, and chewier, often enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

This waffle war leads to lighthearted debates among locals and tourists alike about which waffle reigns supreme.

Belgium: A Country of Festivals

Belgium might be small, but it boasts an impressive number of festivals, many of which are quirky and unusual. Here’s a taste of some you might find amusing:

1. Bathtub Regatta: In Dinant, an annual regatta takes place where participants race down the river in bathtubs.

2. Carpet of Flowers: Every two years, the Grand Place in Brussels is covered in a beautiful carpet made entirely of flowers.

3. The Gilles of Binche: This is perhaps one of the most bizarre and amusing carnivals. Participants, known as Gilles, wear vibrant costumes and wax masks and throw oranges at the crowd.

These festivals showcase the fun-loving nature and cultural richness of Belgium, making it a uniquely charming country to explore.

Living in Belgium is filled with humorous and quirky experiences that are sure to delight anyone with a taste for the unusual and the whimsical. From comic strips to language peculiarities, fries debates to waffle wars, and bizarre festivals, Belgium offers a charmingly eccentric lifestyle that is both amusing and endearing.