Widely-supported initiative
“It is thanks to the huge diversity of the Belgian art of brewery and its omnipresence in day-to-day life and joyous occasions, that we can acknowledge that it is part of our identity. Therefore it belongs to the cultural heritage of Belgium”, Sven Gatz, president of the Belgian Brewers federation, told Het Nieuwsblad.
“You can see examples of our beer culture all throughout Belgium, as every province has breweries, organizations, museums, training, events, parties, restaurants and pubs that contribute to the vibrant and creative beer landscape.”
Unesco will decide next year whether Belgian beer culture gets its place on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which already contains Belgian traditions like the city giants, the Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges and the carnivals in Binche and Aalst.
