Plantation du Meyboom / Meiboomplanting
Brussels' oldest folklore tradition (since 1308, UNESCO-listed): the May tree is paraded with giants and brass band and planted before 5pm at Zandstraat.
Celebrate Brussels' 700+ year heritage with cultural tourism and local experience marketing tied to UNESCO-listed folklore.
- Behind-the-scenes of Brussels' oldest tradition: the Meyboom parade story
- Plan your Brussels spring itinerary around this UNESCO-listed May Day spectacle
- Local guides share the folklore: why Brussels plants a tree every May
- Heritage tourism: experience medieval Brussels traditions still alive today
The plantation of the Meyboom (or Meiboom) must be completed before 5 pm at the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais, and this tradition has been recognised as world heritage by UNESCO. The Meyboom plantation is the oldest tradition in Brussels, attested since 1308, held every year on 9 August at the intersection of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais in the Marais–Jacqmain district. 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.
Saturday 20 June 2026, 12:30
Cortège des Gardevils and election of Mme Chapeau at Place Rouppe, 9
Saturday July 2026, 14:00 (date TBC)
Cortège for Meyboom press conference with Companions of St Laurent, Bûûmdroegers, Fanfare, Gardevils and Poepedroegers, plus Brussels folklore actors and giants
Friday October 2026, 12:00-15:00 & 16:30-20:00 (date TBC)
Event at Salle Sacco & Vanzetti, Rue des Moineaux 15, 1000 Bruxelles
Saturday 29 November 2026, ~12:30
Tree Week: planting of 5 trees at Bois de la Cambre with all Meyboom actors
Sunday 9 August 2026 (Main Event)
From 1pm: giants, brass bands, folk groups wander streets; around 3pm tree presented at Grand Place; parade reaches Marais district just before 4:30pm for planting before 5pm deadline
- Public processions and folk activities with some parts of the ceremony reserved for tradition bearers, organised by the Companions of St Lawrence
- The Buumdroegers choose a tree in the morning, accompanied by the Gardevils guards, with the procession uniting companions of St. Lawrence in folk costumes, seven giants, and a brass band
- The Buumdroegers present the tree to the public at Grand-Place and carry it to the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais
- The tree must be planted before 5 p.m.
- Since 2008, the Meyboom has been recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO
- Pre-Meyboom events in 2026 include: Saturday 20 June at 12:30pm – Cortège des Gardevils and election of Mme Chapeau at Place Rouppe
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