Grote Folkloristische Garnaalstoet
Folkloristische stoet rond de paardenvissers, hoogtepunt van de Garnaalfeesten.
Leverage a niche regional folklore parade celebrating traditional shrimp fishing to drive tourism and local food & beverage experiences in a specific European destination.
- Behind-the-scenes of traditional horse-fishing methods and cultural heritage
- Local shrimp festival dining experiences and regional seafood specialties
- Plan your visit to this unique European folklore celebration
The 75th edition of the Garnaalfeesten takes place 27–28 June 2026 in Oostduinkerke-Bad, a beloved folk festival celebrating centuries of shrimp-fishing heritage with tradition, folklore, music, local crafts and community spirit. The horse-drawn shrimp fishing tradition was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2013. The festival traditionally occurs during the last weekend of June in Oostduinkerke.
Saturday 27 June – morning
Appointment of Mieke Garnaal and court of honour at 11:00, Fabiolaplein
Saturday 27 June – afternoon
Belgian Shrimp Peeling Championship (14:00, Zeedijk/Astridplein); Folkloremarkt 11:00–18:00 (Fabiolaplein); Wheelbarrow competition 17:15–18:00 (departing Erfgoedhuis Bachten de Kupe)
Saturday 27 June – evening
Music and street animation 17:30–21:30 (Zeedijk at Astridplein): Augustijn Vermandere 16:00–17:00; Edje Ska & De Pilchards 21:00–22:00
Sunday 28 June – morning
Sea Blessing ceremony 9:30–10:30 (Mariakapel Leopold II-laan); Procession to seafront ~10:30 for sea blessing; folkloristic performances and music at Astridplein ~11:00 (Oud-Ijslandvaarders and Juttertjes)
Sunday 28 June – afternoon
Parade corps El Fuerte Koksijde performance 14:00 (Astridplein); Grote Folkloristische Garnaalstoet 15:30 (Zeedijk → Albert I Laan → Leopold II Laan → Vrijheidstraat toward Oostduinkerke-Dorp)
Sunday 28 June – evening
The Philips with Filip Bollaert, Ben Crabbé, Bert Embrechts, Jan Hautekiet 19:00–20:30 (Binnenplein NAVIGO)
- Saturday 27 June at 11:00: appointment of Mieke Garnaal and her court of honour at Fabiolaplein
- Saturday 27 June: Belgian Shrimp Peeling Championship (14:00, Astridplein) and demonstration shrimp fishing (18:00, Astridplein)
- Sunday 28 June morning: traditional sea blessing ceremony starting 9:30 at Mariakapel, followed by procession toward the seafront where blessing takes place, uniting horse fishermen, fishery associations, folklore groups and rescue services in reverence for the sea and coastal life
- The Grote Folkloristische Garnaalstoet climax: Sunday 28 June, 15:30 from Astridplein, featuring over 50 groups depicting vivid scenes of historic fishing life and Oostduinkerke's heritage
- Procession elements: draft horses, fishing boats on wheels, carnival giants and nostalgic tableaux
- Evening entertainment Sunday 28 June 19:00–20:30 at NAVIGO: The Philips with local performers Filip Bollaert, Ben Crabbé, Bert Embrechts and Jan Hautekiet