Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Antwerp is bustling with locals and tourists celebrating its culture at the Rubensmarkt while the Bollekesfeest festival kicks off, featuring local beer, live music and food stalls throughout the weekend.
The Rubensmarkt in Antwerp was very busy with a large crowd of both locals and tourists celebrating the city’s history and culture. At the same time the city is preparing for the Bollekesfeest which starts and runs through the weekend expecting thousands of visitors. This festival celebrates the local beer called “Bolleke,” made by De Koninck brewery and offers beer tastings, live music and food stalls. With so many people expected the city center will be lively and authorities are likely making plans to manage the crowds to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
What can people expect at Antwerp’s Bollekesfeest 2024?
It has been said that this is a free festival in the city celebrating the famous beer from De Koninck brewery which has a special glass. There will be performances by artists for three days and DJs will play music. On 16th August everyone sang along at Vlaanderen Zingt in Antwerp. Today on 17th August Pauline and Gustaph will perform and on Sunday Francisco Schuster and Willy Sommers will be there.
For the first time,visitors can enjoy not just the Grote Markt but also the Groenplaats where there will be performances and food stalls mainly featuring DJs. Usually the mayor and local leaders tap the first Bollekes, but this year Mayor De Wever couldn’t attend. One visitor said “We’ve been here six times. The music, the atmosphere, the fun, we always have a great weekend in Antwerp.” Another visitor mentioned, “It’s too bad about the rain but it will be okay.” An optimistic local added, “The rain just means more flavor in the Bolleke” Since the city expects a lot of people this weekend they encourage everyone to come by bike or use public transport.
The first ‘Bolleke’ was brewed in 1952 and quickly became known as the “city’s beer.” Zeger Smedts from Brouweri De Koninck mentions that in 2007, they decided to celebrate this beer with a big event for the people of Antwerp. The naming of this beer is significant originally,the brewery did not want to call it that, as they preferred the name ‘Keuningske.’ Since locals always ordered it as ‘Bolleke’ at the bar,they accepted that name. In 2019 the brewery officially adopted this name to return the beer to the people of Antwerp as it represents their celebration and identity.
