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Garnaalfeesten Oostduinkerke

75e Garnaalfeesten rond de UNESCO-erkende paardenvisserij.

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Celebrate UNESCO-recognized horse fishing heritage and local seafood traditions at Belgium's iconic Garnaalfeesten festival.

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  • 75 years of tradition: discover the unique horse fishing method at Oostduinkerke
  • Farm-to-table seafood festival celebrating sustainable coastal heritage
  • UNESCO cultural experience: witness centuries-old fishing practices in action
  • Local flavor meets cultural tourism: shrimp festival meets living heritage site
Programme

The 75th edition of the Garnaalfeesten takes place on 27–28 June 2026 in Oostduinkerke-Bad, celebrating a jubilee tradition of shrimp fishing on horseback . This beloved folk festival brings together tradition, folklore, music, local crafts and community across a unique weekend . Oostduinkerke is the only place worldwide where horse-drawn shrimp fishing still exists, and since 2013 the practice is UNESCO-listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Line-up
Augustijn Vermandere—Oostend singer/songwriter with warm folk-influenced soundEdje Ska & De Pilchards—energetic ska, reggae and party-vibes cover bandThe Philips featuring Filip Bollaert, Ben Crabbé, Bert Embrechts and Jan Hautekiet—folk/cabaret performance Sunday evening
  • Coronation of Mieke Garnaal (the Shrimp Queen) and her ladies-in-waiting—a cherished tradition blending heritage and ceremony
  • Belgian Shrimp-Peeling Championship (Saturday 27 June, 14:00, Astridplein)—a crowd-pleasing competition showcasing the coastal skill of peeling shrimp by hand
  • Folkloremarkt with continuous animation (music, theatre, stories) from 11–17:00 Saturday, celebrating fishing heritage and local crafts with fresh shrimp tasting
  • Garnaalstoet (Great Folklore Shrimp Parade) on Sunday 15:30—more than 50 groups in a colourful procession of floats, music and traditional dress honouring the fishing community's history
  • Live music: Augustijn Vermandere (Saturday 16–17:00, folk-influenced Belgian artist), Edje Ska & De Pilchards (Saturday 21–22:00, ska/reggae party band), The Philips with local singers (Sunday 19–20:30, NAVIGO Museum courtyard)
  • Children's shrimp-fishing on the beach with horse fishermen and rowing clubs (Saturday 18:00)