Garnaalfeesten Oostduinkerke
Shrimp festival celebrating the UNESCO-listed horseback shrimp fishers, with parade and seafood on Oostduinkerke beach.
Celebrate UNESCO heritage and authentic coastal seafood traditions to drive tourism and experiential dining bookings during the festival season.
- Behind-the-scenes: UNESCO horseback shrimp fishing tradition explained
- Festival parade & fresh seafood feast—plan your coastal getaway
- Taste heritage: Local shrimp recipes and festival food stalls
- Cultural tourism: Experience living maritime history in Oostduinkerke
The 75th edition of Garnaalfeesten takes place on 27–28 June 2026. This beloved folk festival has been a fixture on the Belgian coast for decades, bringing together tradition, folklore, music, local crafts and sense of community in a unique, atmospheric weekend. The shrimp fishing by horseback tradition was added to UNESCO's Cultural World Heritage in 2013.
Saturday, 27 June 2026, 11:00–17:00
Appointment of Mieke Garnaal and honours / Folk market on Fabiolaplein with fishing heritage, local crafts, seafood tastings; continuous animation (music, theatre, stories)
Saturday, 27 June 2026, 14:00–17:00
Belgian Shrimp-Peeling Championship on Astridplein (Zeedijk)
Saturday, 27 June 2026, 17:15–18:00
Shrimp fishers on horseback procession led by Koninklijke Harmonie Vrienden van de Brandweer Oostduinkerke to Oostduinkerke-Bad
Saturday evening
Live music: Augustijn Vermandere (Fabiolaplein, 16:00–17:00) and Edje Ska & De Pilchards (Zeedijk/Astridplein, 17:30–21:30)
Sunday, 28 June 2026, 09:30–10:30
Sea Blessing ceremony (Zeeviering, Mariakapel, Leopold II-laan 242)
Sunday, 28 June 2026, c.10:30
Procession toward the beach and Sea Blessing (Zeewijding) on Zeedijk
Sunday, 28 June 2026, 14:00
Parade Corps El Fuerte Koksijde performance (Astridplein)
Sunday, 28 June 2026, 15:30 (3:30 PM)
Grand Folkloric Shrimp Parade (Grote Folkloristische Garnaalstoet): ~50 groups depicting fishing heritage and Oostduinkerke history, from Zeedijk toward Oostduinkerke-Dorp
Sunday evening
Closing folk festival and concert 'The Philips' at NAVIGO Fishing Museum courtyard
- Appointment of Mieke Garnaal (shrimp queen) and her ladies on Saturday at 11:00 at Fabiolaplein—a charming, beloved moment combining tradition and elegance.
- Belgian Shrimp-Peeling Championship on Saturday at 14:00 on Zeedijk/Astridplein—a crowd-puller showcasing this coast-specific skill.
- Folk market on Saturday 11:00–17:00 with fishing heritage, old crafts, local seafood tastings, plus continuous animation including music, street theatre and storytelling.
- Sunday Sea Blessing ceremony (9:30–10:30) bringing together shrimp fishers on horseback, carting associations, folkloric groups and rescue services, followed by a procession toward the beach at c.10:30.
- The Grand Folkloric Shrimp Parade on Sunday at 15:30 (3:30 PM), featuring around 50 groups depicting fishing life and key moments in Oostduinkerke's history.
- Musical performances: Augustijn Vermandere (Saturday afternoon, folk influence) and Edje Ska &
- De Pilchards (Saturday evening on Zeedijk—ska, reggae, festive vibes).
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