5 fun events in Flanders this week

Forts of Antwerp
This annual one-day event joins 23 forts in and around Antwerp via five different bike routes. At each location, there are guided tours, musical performances, workshops and entertainment. A great chance to explore the city’s green edges and learn about its history. 21 May, various locations; free

Picnic in style
This summer, four historic locations in West Flanders will host a family picnic day with 100% local food and drink. Reserve in advance and order your picnic basket filled with products from local farms. Tables and chairs provided, or you can bring your own picnic blanket. The first date is already sold out, so hurry and sign up for the next three dates. 21 June, 27 August, 10 September, various locations; €15

100K Walk of Ieper
This annual three-day walking event in memory of the Great War draws participants from Belgium, England, France, Germany and Canada. Choose a distance between 5 and 50 kilometres each day and participate for one day or all three. Overnight accommodation in tents and meals available. 26-28 May, Jeugdstadion, Leopold III-laan 16, Ieper; €1.50-€14.50

Leuven giants
The “giants” of Leuven – oversized folkloric figures – will be accompanied by more than 50 other giants from both Belgium and abroad as they make their way through the city centre. The procession ends on the Ladeuzeplein, where the city’s newest giants will be inaugurated. 20 May, 13.00, Vesaliusstraat; free

Procession of the Holy Blood
What started out as a religious observation hundreds of years ago has become a festive city-wide pageant and major tourist draw. The Holy Blood is a relic of the Crucifixion that’s kept in a chapel in Bruges, and the procession combines biblical and local history. Tickets available (€12) for audience seats in the bleachers.  25 May, starting at 14.30, Bruges city centre; free

Photo: Partcipants at last year's Fortengordel
© Provincie Antwerpen