Liège

🎭 Activities

Liège International Piano Festival – January: The Liège International Piano Festival takes place in January and is a celebration of classical piano music. Pianists from around the world perform in various venues, offering visitors a chance to experience high-caliber performances in an intimate setting. 

Carnival of Liège – February: Liège’s Carnival, one of the oldest in Belgium, is held in February. Known for its vibrant parades, eccentric costumes, and large papier-mâché masks, the carnival is a lively event that celebrates local traditions and brings the community together. 

Liège Book Fair – March: The Liège Book Fair, held in March, is a major event for literature enthusiasts. The fair attracts both national and international authors, offering book signings, readings, and workshops on writing, publishing, and the literary world. 

Liège Jazz Festival – April: In April, Liège comes alive with the Liège Jazz Festival, where jazz musicians from around the world perform in various venues across the city. The festival brings a blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, offering something for every fan of the genre. 

Festival of Walloon Song – May: Held in May, the Festival of Walloon Song celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Walloon region. This festival features performances of traditional songs, as well as contemporary interpretations of regional music by both established and emerging artists. 

Liège Techno Parade – June: Liège’s Techno Parade, held every June, is a vibrant celebration of electronic music. Featuring colorful floats, DJs, and a massive street party atmosphere, it draws techno fans from across Europe for a unique musical experience. 

Festival of Contemporary Art – July: In July, the Festival of Contemporary Art in Liège showcases innovative works by modern artists from around the world. The event includes exhibitions, performances, and installations in unexpected spaces, including galleries, public squares, and former industrial buildings. 

Liège Beer Festival – August: The Liège Beer Festival in August is a celebration of Belgian beer culture. Visitors can sample hundreds of local and international craft beers, enjoy food pairings, and participate in workshops that explore the history and production of Belgium’s famous brews. 

Liège World Music Festival – September: September brings the Liège World Music Festival, which brings together diverse musical genres from across the globe. The festival features performances in various outdoor venues, celebrating the cultural diversity of music and the power of global connections. 

Liège Autumn Wine Fair – October: The Liège Autumn Wine Fair in October is a must for wine lovers. It offers tastings of over 500 wines from around the world, accompanied by food pairings, and opportunities to meet winemakers and sommeliers. 

Liège Christmas Market – December: Liège’s Christmas Market, held every December, is a magical winter event. The market features over 200 stalls selling festive decorations, local crafts, and seasonal food and drinks, including the famous Liège waffles. 

Liège Night of Museums – November: The Night of Museums, celebrated in November, offers free access to some of Liège’s most famous museums after hours. Visitors can explore exhibitions, participate in guided tours, and enjoy live performances in an after-dark atmosphere.

🔹 Small Facts

Liège: A History of Industry and Innovation: Liège has a long industrial history, particularly in the steel and coal sectors. The city was a key center of industrial production during the 19th and 20th centuries, and this legacy still influences its economy and culture today. 

The Perron’s Symbolic Importance: The Perron, located in the heart of Liège, symbolizes the city’s independence. It was erected in 1306 as a representation of Liège’s self-governance and its resistance to foreign rulers. 

Role in the French Revolution: During the French Revolution, Liège was at the forefront of political upheaval. The city played a significant role in the Walloon independence movements and was involved in the broader political changes occurring in Europe. 

Monastery of St. James: The Monastery of St. James, established in the 11th century, was an important religious site in medieval Liège. Today, it remains an important historical landmark, and its influence can still be seen in the city’s religious architecture. 

Rich Musical Heritage: Liège has a long-standing tradition in classical music and opera. It is home to the Royal Opera of Wallonia, and many famous composers and musicians have come from the city, including the internationally renowned composer and conductor, Eugène Ysaÿe. 

The History of Liège’s Waffles: The famous Liège waffle was invented in the city in the 18th century. Unlike the Brussels waffle, Liège waffles are denser and sweeter, thanks to the caramelized sugar they are made with, and are a beloved treat throughout Belgium. 

Future Plans for Liège’s Industrial Sites: Liège is working on regenerating its former industrial zones by converting old factories and warehouses into cultural spaces, offices, and residential areas. These regeneration projects aim to bring new life to the city’s historic industrial sites. 

The Significance of the Meuse River: The Meuse River has been a central feature in Liège’s development. The river was historically used for transport and trade, and today, it offers beautiful views and is a key feature in Liège’s waterfront revitalization projects. 

Role in the Battle of the Bulge: Liège played an important role in World War II, especially during the Battle of the Bulge. The city was one of the first to be attacked by the Germans, but it held out long enough to delay the advance, contributing to the eventual Allied victory. 

The History of Liège’s University: The University of Liège, founded in 1817, is one of Belgium’s oldest universities. It has a strong reputation in scientific research and has contributed to advancements in various fields, including physics and engineering. 

Planned Cultural Hub: Liège is planning to develop a cultural hub near its train station, with new galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. This project is part of the city’s plan to become a European center for arts and culture in the coming decades. 

Historic Fairs and Markets: For centuries, Liège has been known for its markets and fairs, particularly the annual fair held at St. Lambert Square. These events have historically brought together farmers, craftsmen, and traders from across the region. 

Cutting-Edge Tech Hub: The city is focusing on becoming a leading hub for technology and innovation. Liège has attracted a growing number of tech startups and research institutions, positioning itself as a key player in Belgium’s digital economy. 

Underground Tunnels: Liège is rumored to have a network of underground tunnels that were used for both defensive and commercial purposes during the city’s medieval and industrial periods. While some of these tunnels have been sealed off, others remain hidden beneath the city. 

Commitment to Green Spaces: Liège is making efforts to increase its green spaces with several new parks and gardens being developed. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for residents and make the city more sustainable and eco-friendly.