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Culture overview

Each area will have its own particularities. The three predominant cultures are: 1) in north, Flanders - primarily Dutch, 2) in the south, Wallonia - primarily French and 3) the northeast - primarily German influenced. Festival's plays are important part in Belgian life. One of the most famous festivals is the three-day carnival at Binche, near Mons, held just before Lent. Belgian culture is a potent combination of world-renowned art, gastronomical delights (chocolates and beer), baroque architecture and iconic literature.

The religion - Religious liberty is guaranteed by the constitution. Symbolically and materially, the Roman Catholic Church remains in a favorable position. Belgium's concept of 'recognized religions' set a path for Islam to follow to acquire the treatment of Jewish and Protestant religions.

The Belgium language - Belgium has three official languages, Dutch, French, and German. A number of non-official, minority languages are spoken as well. An estimated 59%speaks Dutch and French is spoken by 40%. Many Flemish people still speak dialects of Dutch in their local environment.

The Art in Belgium - Contributions to painting and architecture have been especially rich. While the 15th century's art in the Low Countries is dominated by the religious paintings, the 16th century is characterized by a broader panel of styles. Though the Baroque style of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck flourished in the early 17th century in the Southern Netherlands, it gradually declined thereafter.

Belgium cuisine – Belgium is well known in the world over for its cuisine. The national dishes are "steak and fries with salad", and "mussels with fries". Brands of Belgian chocolate and pralines, like Callebaut, Côte d'Or, Neuhaus, Leonidas, Guylian and Godiva, are world renowned and widely sold. There are over 400 different types of beer in Belgium. The Trappist beer of the Abbey of Westvleteren has consistently been rated the world's best beer.

Music in Belgium - Folklore plays a major role in Belgium's cultural life. Belgium is home to hundreds of festivals, pageants and carnivals throughout the year. Carnival of Aalst; the still very religious processions of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Virga Jesse in Hasselt, and Hanswijk in Mechelen; the August 15 festival in Liège; and the Walloon festival in Namur. The Carnival of Binche with its famous Gilles, and the 'Processional Giants and Dragons'.