In English
About our festival
Shortly after the foundation back in 1956, folk art group Die Spelewei vzw organized the first local harvest festival. This event was soon getting bigger and it became the Internationaal Folklorefestival of Westerlo. As such, it is one of the oldest folk dance festivals of Belgium.
In front of the late-19th century castle, the festival is organized every year midst August. Five amateur folk art groups from all over the world take part in this festival to show their culture through traditional dances and music.
Participating dancers and musicians stay in host families. The families became very special for the festival because their hospitality is praised by the participating groups over and over again. In return, these families have a wonderful time with their guests during six days. The visiting groups get a unique chance to experience the Flemish way of life. That is why the folklore festival of Westerlo always is an event never to be forgotten by the participating groups and host families.
Internationaal Folklorefestival Westerlo is a member of CIOFF and IOV. These memberships can be seen as quality labels for our festival.
Application
If your group is intrested for participation in our festival. You have to fill out our application form.
For all questions, you can contact us by e-mail: festival@diespelewei.be.
You can also find our conditions of participations link within the form.
Program
In 2024, the festival is programmed from Friday 9th of August to Wednesday 14th of August.
The core program consists of 3 shows. All groups perform on Saturday evening, Sunday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon. But our festival is much more than these stage performances. We have a complete program, full of interactions, to make it an unforgettable experience.
About our festival
Shortly after the foundation back in 1956, folk art group Die Spelewei vzw organized the first local harvest festival. This event was soon getting bigger and it became the Internationaal Folklorefestival of Westerlo. As such, it is one of the oldest folk dance festivals of Belgium.
In front of the late-19th century castle, the festival is organized every year midst August. Five amateur folk art groups from all over the world take part in this festival to show their culture through traditional dances and music.
Participating dancers and musicians stay in host families. The families became very special for the festival because their hospitality is praised by the participating groups over and over again. In return, these families have a wonderful time with their guests during six days. The visiting groups get a unique chance to experience the Flemish way of life. That is why the folklore festival of Westerlo always is an event never to be forgotten by the participating groups and host families.
Internationaal Folklorefestival Westerlo is a member of CIOFF and IOV. These memberships can be seen as quality labels for our festival.
Preliminary program
During the 3 shows, the public can have a look in the merchandising goods of the interested participating groups. Also, children can play traditional games, go to the bouncy, or have their faces painted.
Location
Westerlo is a village of 24,000 inhabitants in the province of Antwerp, in the region of Flanders (the Dutch-speaking community of Belgium). It is located 50 km from Antwerp and 60 km from Brussels.
The weekend shows take place in the nice front yard of the beautiful town hall of Westerlo, a castle that used to be the residence of the countess Jeanne de Merode.
The show for seniors is in an indoor hall. In case of bad weather, the shows of Saturday and/or Sunday will be hosted in the indoor hall as well.
Artistic requirements
All folk dance performances must be to live music and with traditional costumes.
Groups prepare a performance of 20 to 25 minutes. Each group will perform at every show. Performance material should be varied as much as possible.
Practical information for participating groups
Outdoor setting
The weekend shows take place on a temporary outdoor stage in front yard of the town hall / castle. All facilities such as stage lighting, a side stage for musicians with microphones and separate dressing rooms for each participating group are provided. Also there is a concession area and emergency first-aid area.
The dance stage has a surface of 8 x 7,30 meters. Next to it, the musicians have a stage of 6 x 2,50 meters.
Indoor setting
The third show is in the indoor hall. It has facility services such as stage lighting, a front stage for musicians with microphones and dressing rooms for each participating group.
Rules and regulations
You can request our conditions for participation by e-mail. You can also find our conditions of participation link within the application form.
Application form
Fill in our application form via the link above. For questions, please contact festival@diespelewei.be.
