Meyboom plantation
Oldest Brussels folk tradition (since 1308), the UNESCO-listed planting of the Meyboom with giants and brass bands.
Celebrate Brussels' 700+ year heritage and UNESCO legacy with experiential tourism and cultural event partnerships.
- Discover the oldest Brussels tradition: the Meyboom festival with giants and brass bands
- UNESCO-listed cultural heritage: why Brussels' 1308 folk tradition still draws crowds
- Plan your Brussels trip around the iconic Meyboom celebration
- Behind the giants: the history and spectacle of Brussels' most storied festival
The Meyboom is the oldest tradition in Brussels, attested since 1308, held every year on 9 August, the eve of St Lawrence's Day. It consists of planting a beech at the intersection of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais in Brussels' Marais–Jacqmain district. The plantation has been recognised as world heritage by UNESCO. The event is organised by the Companions of St Lawrence, a city association, and is accompanied by processions and various folk activities during the day. [ "UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage of humanity tradition dating back over 700 years", "Public processions through Brussels streets featuring the Buumdroegers (tree carriers), Gardevils, brass band, giants and folk groups", "Presentation of the tree on Grand-Place to the public before final planting at Rue des Sables/Rue du Marais corner", "Must be planted before 5 pm or the honour passes to rival city Leuven (part of medieval Brussels-Leuven folklore rivalry)", "Free public event with multiple folk ceremonies throughout the day", "Related 2026 pre-events: Gardevils parade and Mme Chapeau election (20 June), Gardevils spaghetti dinner (4 July)" ]
Saturday 20 June 2026, 12:30 pm
Gardevils parade & election of Mme Chapeau. Meeting point: Place Rouppe, 32. Giants participate.
Saturday 4 July 2026, 12:00–17:00
Gardevils spaghetti dinner. €15 per person, no reservation. Restaurant le Saint d'hic II, Place Rouppe, 32.
July 2026 (date TBC), 14:00
Press conference parade for Louvain Meyboom. Full folklore participation with brass band, giants, Gardevils, and city folk groups.
Sunday 9 August 2026 (Main Event)
Meyboom plantation ceremony. Morning: tree selection by Buumdroegers. Parade through Brussels streets. Presentation at Grand-Place. Final planting at Rue des Sables/Rue du Marais corner before 5 pm.
October 2026 (date TBC), 12:00–15:00 & 16:30–20:00
Folk gathering. Location: Salle Sacco & Vanzetti, Rue des Moineaux, 15, Brussels.
Saturday 29 November 2026, 12:30
Tree Week planting ceremony. 5 trees planted at Bois de la Cambre with all Meyboom tradition actors.