Together with professional artists, writers, actors and musicians, numerous cultural associations form the backbone of our cultural life in the DG. The region has also retained important connections with its Rhineland roots. Carnival, the “fifth season”, is alive and well in the DG. But that is only a part of the many and varied traditions of the area.
Working Prussian, living French
The DG lies on the fault line between the Romanic and Germanic traditions. Open, multi-lingual, international: its citizens are familiar with a culture of international exchange. The German speakers profit from influences from Germany and the Netherlands as well as from Flanders, Wallonia and the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. It is said that the East Belgians “work Prussian and live French”.
Professional Artists
Alongside the many amateur art associations active in the DG, there are also many professional arts associations offering a wide range of cultural events: concerts for every taste, art exhibitions, festivals of dance and theatre, cabaret and more. Major annual events, such as the Eupen Music Marathon, the OstbelgienFestival series of concerts or the International Theatre Festival in St. Vith, have become famous far beyond our borders.