The 182nd edition of the Gentse Feesten begins today, with 1.7 million people expected over the 10-day run. It is the largest city-wide festival in Europe
As Tomorrowland’s fire this week dominated festival headlines, Ghent prepared for the biggest city festival in Europe – the Gentse Feesten. The annual 10-day music and street theatre festival kicks off tonight across the city centre.
It is the 182nd edition of the Gentse Feesten , with 1.7 million people expecting to take to the streets. Every square becomes a stage, with music lasting into the wee hours. Both an official street theatre and circus festival and ad-hoc performers are a big part of a program that also takes in guided tours, dance workshops, sports activities, storytelling, processions, fun fairs and boat trips.
For the opening weekend, a hip-hop stage has been added on the Oude Beestenmarkt, home to the main DJ booth. The festival has extended southward this year all the way to the enormous Sint-Pietersplein, now home to circus tents. In total, Gentse Feesten offers more than 3,500 activities.
With its roots in the labour movement of the 19th century, the Gentse Feesten is still referred to as a “people’s festival,” with most of the squares and street theatre freely accessible. Known as a 24-hour-a-day party, the feesten tends to be overwhelming for people who live in the city centre, who often plan their holidays during its run and leave town.
Getting to and from Ghent with a car is discouraged, but several parking areas on the edges of town are open. Busses and trams run longer, with the special GF tram running 24 hours a day.
There’s just one glitch this year: Unions, angry at the City of Ghent’s plan to scrap 350+ jobs, plan protests today and at other times throughout the festival. They are also considering strikes, which could seriously effect the festivities if they involve waste collectors or police officers.
