The beloved Moomin characters are back in Brussels for a second edition of its emblematic parade and a full day program around the European Quarter. The event takes place on 9 May 2026 in the park of Square Ambiorix and a festive parade led through Rue Archimede and around the European Commission.
The Moomin Parade was organised for the first time in 2025 as an entirely new concept to celebrate the popular characters and their stories. Last year’s event gathered nearly 3,000 participants throughout the day and was featured in various media across Europe and beyond.
Following the last year’s success, the Moomin Parade will now be organised for the second time, on 9th May 2026. The event includes a fun program in the park of Square Ambiorix and a festive parade led through Rue Archimede and around the European Commission. For this year’s edition, there will be additional program in Parc Cinquantenaire, at the Pavi’ON building, with various activities.
The event will feature live Moomin characters, who will be available to meet and greet with all the visitors. The program will also include live music, book readings in multiple languages and small activities for children.
On the programme: All day long activities for children – colouring, face painting, meetings with the Moomin charachters in the park Ambiorix after the parade, cinema… from 10am to 6pm at Square Ambiorix and the Pavi’On at the Cinquantenaire park.
At 2 pm, it’s time for the big parade featuring the Moomin characters, which will wind its way along Rue Archimède between Square Ambiorix and the Schuman roundabout. This event is free to attend, a perfect plan for enjoying a festive family outing on Saturday in the heart of Brussels!
The parade is organised by ACCJM (Association des Commerçants du Carrefour Jean Monnet) and NOSTE agency, with the support of MOOMIN CHARACTERS, the founding house from Finland. This year’s edition will feature increased program and new collaboration with Moomin licenced products from Finland.
Take note: The event takes place on the same day as the “Open Day” of the European institutions (The Parliament, Commission, The Council…), and the entire European quarter will feel festive and vibrant throughout the day.
Moomin Parade side events at Pavi’ON
This year, there will be additional program at the Pavi’ON at Parc Cinquantenaire. Pavi’On is a social and cultural center in the European Quarter’s iconic Cinquantenaire park. The venue offers eclectic, inclusive, and intergenerational activities, bringing fresh energy while embodying openness and dynamism. Its programming is enriched by initiatives from local associations and resident‑led projects, valuable partners in its development. Pavi’On is managed by Maisons de Quartier/Buurthuizen of Brussels. During the Moomin Parade on 9th May, you can join following activities at Pavi’ON:
10h00 – 12h00
Tove Jansson mini exhibition – get to know the author behind the Moomins
Workshop Kids – colouring and activity sheets, puzzles
Book readings in English and French (timings to be confirmed)
10h30 – 11h00
Little My’s morning workout – Playful activity for children
11h00 Short film: “Who Will Comfort Toffle?” (2023)
11h30 Short film: “The Book about Mymble, Moomin and Little My” (2023)
(12h30-16h closed during lunch time and the parade)
16h00 – 17h30
Tove Jansson mini exhibition – get to know the author behind the Moomins
Workshop Kids – colouring and activity sheets, puzzles
16h30 Short film for kids: “Who Will Comfort Toffle?” (2023)
17h00 Short film for kids: “The Book about Mymble, Moomin and Little My” (2023)
17h30 – 18h30 Tove and Tooti in Europe (2004) Documentary about the author and her life partner (for adults)
There is also a playground for children right next to the building, allowing also fun time outdoors!
To get more info and latest programming, visit the website of Moomin Parade in Brussels.
