St Patrick’s Day is observed around the world on 17th March. Here are some ideas for people in Brussels who are looking for ways to join this popular Irish celebration.
St Patrick’s Day 2024: Brussels Parade
One of the best ways to experience this traditional event in Brussels is to join or observe St Patrick’s Day Parade! Find below the itinerary of the parade:
13.00 Parade Assembles at Les Halles Saint Géry, 1000 Brussels
13.30 Parade moves off.
15.30 to 16.30 Parade Review Ceremony at the City Hall, Grand Place with presentation of the Kinsale Shamrock Bowl to the City of Brussels and music recitals.
Parade Grand Marshal: Ken Buckley, Kinsale.
Chief Aide to the Grand Marshal: Sarah Burton Whicker, Brussels
Parade events 17th March at Les Halles Saint Géry Cultural Centre
10.30 to 13.00 Saint Patrick’s Day Arts and Crafts Workshop
All children of all nationalities welcome to attend. Admission free.
Exercise your creativity with Irish American artist Sarah Burton Whicker as she leads a Celtic crafting workshop. Kids of all ages are welcome to make a pin, necklace, hat, or hairpiece to get parade ready. Adults are invited to join the fun and make paper Celtic knots. Make a stylish accessory to show off your Irish pride and take home a festive souvenir!
12.00 -13.00
Pre-Parade Concert of Irish Melodies with Dénes Dosztán on Piano.
Everyone welcome, Admission Free
17.00 -18.30 Cork Jazz Festival Club of Brussels with LJM Street Band (Lazy Jazzmen) followed by Dénes Dosztán with a jazz and ragtime session on Piano
Everyone Welcome, Admission Free
18.30 -21.00 Open House Music Jam Session,
All musicians welcome to come along,sing along and join in the craic.
Food & Drink served on the day and free access to all the art exhibitions.
For update to parade activities consult: https://www.meetup.com/Irish-in-Europe/
Dressing of the Manneken Pis – 11:00am
On the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day, the Manneken-Pis statue will be dressed in traditional Irish clothing. Members of the Irish community and all those who wish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day are welcome to join in the festivities as the Irish outfit is officially unveiled at 11:00am on Sunday 17th March 2024.
For those looking to have more fun experiences, a visit to some of the popular Irish pubs in Brussels EU District or in the city centre is a must – expect Irish music and different festivities. Here are some of the local pubs to check out:
The Wild Geese (EU Quarter, near Maelbeek metro)
O’Reilly’s (near Bourse)
James Joyce (EU Quarter, Schuman area)
Celtica (near Brouckere)
Kitty O’Shea’s (EU District)
Wild Rover Sports Bar (EU District, near Maelbeek)
The Hairy Canary (EU District, near Schuman)
The Dubliner (city centre)