Did you know about the
folk festival that takes place in Bruges every year? If you’re lucky enough to
be planning a visit in April or May 2024, look out for the extra special
festivities in the city that make it even more vibrant and exciting. The
Meifoor festival takes place from 19 April to 12 May 2024 with some very special
activities and events for all ages. If you considering a trip to Bruges, this is
a great time to book your stay. Green Park Hotel is located at the edge of the city
so you can quickly and easily commute to see the sights of the city and the festival
while enjoying the tranquillity of a great night’s sleep. Book using our website
and experience this very special festival for yourself.
What is Meifoor?
Meifoor is a folk festival that dates back to the year 1200. In that year an international annual fair was organised in Bruges based on a charter given to the city by Boudewijn IX. The event lasts about a month, starting on the third Friday after Easter according to tradition. It ends the weekend after Ascension Day, 39 days after Easter. Since Easter usually falls in April and the fair often takes place in May, the name refers to May. However, often the majority of the fair days fall in April.
The opening is usually a costumed procession of children and a grand fireworks display, this year taking place on 19th April. until the middle of the century, a circus was always part of the attractions on offer as well as dozens of other attractions for both adults and children. The fair was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the lockdown restrictions but has been back since 2022 better than ever. The fair has about 90 attractions and is the largest in the city attracting locals and tourists alike.
Where Does Meifoor Take Place?
Until the 20th century, the Meifoor took place on the Markt in Bruges. These days the fair has spread its wings and now extends over the whole of ‘t Zand, part of the King Albert I Park, the Hauwerstraat, the Beursplein, and part of the Simon Stevinplein.
Meifoor Brugge takes place simultaneously in all of these locations in the city centre at locations including Koning Albert I-Park and ‘t Zand. As a result, a considerable part of the historic city centre is dedicated to carnivals for weeks adding an air of fun and excitement to the city. It does not affect tourist activities so there is no need to plan around it if you happen to be here over those dates.
What's on for Meifoor?
The opening evening of the Meifoor is a big party. We expect music, dancing, great fun and some surprises along the way. There will be lots of tasty treats for everyone during Meifoor. Enjoy delicious waffles, oliebollen, cotton candy and ice cream as well as savoury options like fries, hamburgers and seafood. Adults can enjoy beer and cocktails while little ones can have sweet drinks and hot chocolate.
Ninety attractions in the city centre of Bruges provide fun for the young and young at heart. Discount vouchers are offered to allow visitors to benefit from cheaper rates. You’ll find these at the venues and on the website.
May 10 is the reduced-price day when hundreds of people come to enjoy a cheaper day out with family. This fair is for adults as well as children. There is an amusement park with rides and games for adults and you can also try archery and other skills you’ve never seen before.
Meifoor opens from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 10am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am to 11pm on Sundays. The opening dates are May 19 April to 12 May 2024 so you still have plenty of time to plan your trip. On May 9, the fair is closed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the Holy Blood Procession.
Book convenient and comfortable accommodation in Green Park Hotel on the edge of Bruges for an easy way to explore the city and enjoy great value for money. Our website always has the lowest rates available, guaranteed.
