Here’s the GOOGLE MAP with the locations from this post…
Saturday
This weekend it’s Antwerp’s annual “Semini viering” [Semini Celebration] from 10am on Grote Markt. There will be local song and dance, followed by a procession which will arrive at Sint Andriesplaats at 1.30. This is a very local festivity, dating back a long time in reverence of Semini, a fertility figure who can be spotted (sadly, minus his original phallus) in the stonework above the entrance to Het Steen. You can read his story here.
Also from 10am, there is a big second hand market on St Jansplein, where there is presently also a fun fair until 9th April.
Holi will be celebrated at Cargo bar in Park Spoor Noord from 2pm until 9.30pm. This is a free event which is nice, as although Holi has been celebrated before in Antwerp, I have only ever seen paying events. There will be music and dance performances throughout the afternoon. Holi is a Hindu celebration of spring and of colours, which is observed in India and Nepal. Don’t wear your best clothes if you plan on attending as you could end up covered in an assortment of coloured powder which is traditionally thrown around at this occasion.
If you aren’t partied out by Holi, head to London Calling at Bar Venetie for Let’s Make Antwerp Rock ‘n’ Roll Again at 8pm. Expect to dance into the wee hours to your favorite Indie and Britpop tracks.
Sunday
Jeugdboekenmaand (Youth Book Month) finishes today. Permeke Library will be running a varied program to mark the conclusion of the book month, from 10am, for kids, young people and their parents. This is free and there is no need for prior registration.
Another family-friendly event is taking place over near Middelheim. It’s a chance to try out less well known sports which take place in Antwerp but with which you might not be familiar. It’s free and takes place between 1 and 5pm. There will be drinks and snacks afterwards. Come along if you would like to try your hand at cricket, frisbee, baseball, ice-hockey or cheerleading.
If you are in that part of town and the weather is good -as it is rumoured it will be – take the chance to visit Middelheim Museum Park if you do not already know it (or even if you do). It’s a unique outdoor sculpture park; a beautiful green space incorporating some really special pieces of art. Great to take kids and a picnic. It’s free and open until 5pm.
The weather is going to be pretty decent this weekend. Maybe cloudy at times, but also a good chance of sunny periods. No rain forecast. Scorching top temps of 14 degrees!
Miscellaneous
Next Wednesday -being the last of the month -many museums are free in Antwerp.
Cycling fans are already looking forward to the Tour of Flanders on April 2nd. From this year Antwerp will be the start location of this famous race.
We are fast approaching the very end of the Stadhuis 450 expo, which closes at the end of this month. If you have been meaning to go but haven’t, then time is running out ….
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