The Belgian Pavilion at Folklorama 2025: A Taste of Belgium in Winnipeg

By Donovan Martin, Sr. Editor in Chief

The Belgian Pavilion at Folklorama 2025 is one of those rare festival stops that feels less like an event and more like stepping into someone’s home for a celebration. From the moment you walk in, the coziness of the place wraps around you. The stage is so close you could almost reach out and touch it, and as a spectator, you don’t just watch the performances—you feel like you’re in them. Every twirl of a skirt, every tap of a shoe, and every burst of accordion music happens right there in front of you, pulling you into the story. That closeness creates an intimacy that few other venues can match, and it’s one of the reasons this Pavilion is such a crowd favorite year after year.

Hospitality here is first class. The coordinators, volunteers, and performers greet you like old friends, making sure everyone feels welcome and part of the family. It’s easy to see why so many people return each year—not just for the culture, but for the warmth of the people who bring it to life. Pavilion coordinator Suzanne Armstrong knows that feeling well. Her connection to the Belgian Pavilion began in 1987, when the inaugural Pavilion hosted a dance group from Texas. That encounter sparked her passion, and by the following year, local community members had formed the Belgian Folk Dancers of Winnipeg. She danced from 1994 until just four years ago, and she still speaks of the Pavilion with deep affection. “Our shows try to educate the audience on Belgian folklore and the history behind the dances,” she says, her pride clear in every word.

Second Pavilion coordinator Arianna Plante adds her own perspective, noting that the Pavilion is as much about the people as it is about the performances. “I see families here start traditions, meeting partners, celebrating milestones—all under our roof,” she says. And it’s true—the atmosphere encourages conversation and connection. Tables are arranged so you’re sitting close to your neighbors, and it doesn’t take long for strangers to become friends over shared applause and laughter.

The Belgian Pavilion wouldn’t be complete without the tastes and sights that bring Belgium to life. The sweet aroma of freshly made Belgian chocolate waffles fills the air, and somewhere in the background, the cheerful strains of an accordion set the perfect tone. The cultural displays offer a glimpse into Belgium’s history and traditions—yes, there’s the ever-popular wall of hundreds of beer bottles, but also other exhibits showcasing the country’s artistry, pastimes, and heritage. And then, of course, there’s the beer itself. Belgium is home to over 1,500 varieties, ranging from light and refreshing to so strong they’ve been jokingly described as “a religious experience in a glass.” Some towns serve beer in goblets so large you’d think they were designed for watering livestock, and monks have been brewing their famous Trappist ales for centuries—quietly proving that you can be both holy and a little bit hoppy.

And then there are the dances—the heart and soul of the Pavilion. Among the most celebrated are the clogging and the Maypol dance. Clogging, which dates back to the 18th century in Flanders, is a rhythmic folk dance performed in wooden-soled shoes that create percussive beats on the floor. Originally a form of workmen’s entertainment, it has evolved into a lively performance piece that showcases energy, precision, and tradition. The Maypol dance, on the other hand, has roots in celebrations tied to the harvest and local community festivals, often reflecting the movement of nature and the joy of seasonal change. Watching these dances performed so close to the audience, in such an intimate setting, brings the heritage to life in a way that no video or photo ever could. The youngest dancers, in the Waaltjes group, charm the audience with their earnest enthusiasm, while the senior dancers showcase intricate footwork that speaks to decades of practice and pride.

By the time you leave, your heart feels lighter, your stomach fuller, and your mind still buzzing with the sights and sounds you just experienced. The Belgian Pavilion isn’t just a stop on the Folklorama tour—it’s an escape to another place, where the music is warm, the company is welcoming, and the coziness makes you never want to leave.