Represented in Brussels by the Regional Government Office of Cantabria and SODERCAN, the region’s development agency, Cantabria does more than just advocate for its economic and political interests: it also showcases its culture and gastronomy through a variety of events. The next one? Taste Cantabria, a gourmet celebration that promises to awaken all the senses.

Cantabria, a land of fine gastronomy

Cantabria’s culinary vitality shines through its Michelin-starred establishments, true ambassadors of the region’s rich local specialties. From the prestigious Cenador de Amós in Villaverde de Pontones (three stars) to distinctive venues such as La Casona del Judío and El Serbal in Santander, La Solana in Ampuero, and La Bicicleta in Hoznayo, these restaurants highlight the finest fish and seafood from the coast as well as the meats and vegetables from the valleys. Blending tradition with innovation, Cantabria is firmly establishing itself as an unmissable destination for lovers of haute cuisine.

Picture: Chef Jesús Sánchez and his wife Marián Martínez, owners of the Cenador de Amós restaurant

Taste Cantabria: a culinary experience in Brussels

On Monday 29 September 2025, the Excellis building (105A rue Colonel Bourg, 1140 Evere) will host an exclusive gastronomic event organised by Excellis/Horeca Magazine, in partnership with Sodercan and the Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria, to present for the first time in Brussels the agri-food products of the region. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spanish chef Adrián Mancheño will orchestrate a live cooking show, transforming the region’s flagship products into tapas and refined dishes. At the same time, visitors will be able to chat with a dozen producers who have come especially to showcase their expertise.

A culinary journey through Cantabria in Brussels

The journey begins at the seaside, in Santoña and Castro Urdiales, where the tradition of conserve-industry remains alive and well. Hand-prepared anchovies, tuna belly and mussels are testament to centuries-old expertise, passed down from generation to generation. These seafood products, veritable salty treasures, have made the region internationally renowned.

Then head for the green valleys, where livestock farming and dairy production give rise to unique cheeses. The creamy and delicate Queso de Nata de Cantabria sits alongside the firmer and more fragrant Quesucos de Liébana, and the Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a powerful blue cheese matured in natural caves. These specialities embody the perfect marriage of unspoilt nature and artisanal expertise.

The journey continues with sweets and baked goods: artisan breads, cakes and fine pastries, not to mention delicacies that combine tradition and innovation. These creations offer a moment of comfort that perfectly complements a Cantabrian table.

Finally, it is impossible to leave the region without raising a glass. From the craft beers of Dougall’s, pioneers in Spain, to the premium spirits of the Siderit distillery – gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky – Cantabrian drinks reveal a bold creativity and international outlook. They are the perfect elegant accompaniment to the anchovies, cheeses and preserves tasted earlier.

Organisations working hard to promote Cantabria

If Cantabrian cuisine is now renowned far beyond its borders, it is thanks to regional institutions that ensure the quality and promotion of its products. The ODECA (Cantabrian Agri-Food Quality Office), attached to the regional government, plays a key role in supervising quality labels (PDO, PGI), supporting organic farming and promoting exceptional products under the ‘Sabe a Norte’ brand. The organisation also supports producers at major international events, raising the profile of Cantabrian specialities on the world stage.

For its part, SODERCAN plays a key role in supporting the international expansion of Cantabrian companies. A central part of its work is the organization of trade missions and promotional actions abroad, designed to help businesses explore new markets, establish partnerships, and increase their exports. In collaboration with the Cantabria Chamber of Commerce, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, it is promoting the Cantabria Internationalization Plan 2025–2028, which aims to consolidate the presence of Cantabrian companies in foreign markets. By combining economic support and cultural promotion, these structures make Cantabria a region that knows how to promote both its flavours and its expertise.

An invitation to savour Cantabria

With its coastal and mountainous landscapes, rich culinary heritage and desire to share its identity, Cantabria confirms its place among Spain’s most gourmet regions. Taste Cantabria will be a unique opportunity to discover all its flavours in the heart of Brussels.

See you on 29 September at Excellis for a Cantabrian culinary spectacle!

List of exhibitors: an overview of Cantabrian expertise

• Aceites Alía: premium extra virgin olive oil.
• Anchoas de Santoña: anchovies and seafood products made using traditional methods.
• Cantabria Quesera: an association of iconic PDO cheese makers.
• Dougall’s – Cervezas Artesanales: pioneers of Spanish craft beer.
• Conservas El Capricho: high-end seafood preserves with an authentic taste.
• Conservera Castreña: preserves and salted fish from sustainable fishing.
• Delicatessen La Ermita: prestigious gourmet products.
• Destilería Siderit: gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky with a local touch.
• Horno San José: artisan breads and pastries.
• Olio Viridi: organic and premium olive oils.
• Quesería Javier Campo: PDO blue cheeses matured in natural caves.
• Santander Fine Food: consortium of premium food producers.

SODERCAN:

• 📧 Email : internacional@sodercan.es
• 🌐 Website : www.sodercan.es
• 📱 Social media: 

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Available now at www.bebeer.app, this app aims to become the essential companion for craft beer lovers and those curious to discover local brews.

An interactive map to explore more than 5,000 breweries

Designed for mobile use without downloading, the web app makes it easy to locate thousands of breweries and access their news, events and, of course, their beers. Available in four languages (French, Dutch, English and German), it also proposes a brewing calendar and an interactive map to plan your hoppy getaways across Europe.

A European network of brewing communes

At the same time, beBeer is launching a European network of Brewing Cities and Communes, accompanied by a new label for municipalities that promote their brewing heritage. This label, awarded on the basis of 10 objective criteria, distinguishes communes on a scale of one to three hops – similar to the flower-filled communes – according to the richness and diversity of their brewing ecosystem.

An initiative serving local areas

The project is based on a strong territorial approach: it aims to connect brewers, promoters, local elected councillors and beer lovers around a common tool. For local authorities, it is a lever for visibility, tourist appeal and economic development. For brewers and other players in the sector (specialised bars, guilds, hop producers, festivals, museums…), it is a dynamic and participatory showcase. ‘This is not an ISO label, but concrete recognition of a region’s brewing intensity. Sometimes we are unaware of the brewing treasures hidden in our own city,’ explains Pascal Goergen, founder of beBeer.

A call to communes and local councillors

Several European communes have already been contacted for this first phase. The first labels are expected by October. Elected councillors are invited to become beBeer ambassadors, acting as a link between their commune and the local brewing world.

An open and committed community

beBeer is not just an app. It is a complete ecosystem built around three platforms:

• www.bebeer.app: the mobile-first web app
• www.bebeer.org: the project’s showcase website
• www.bebeer.eu: the community of beer lovers

Free, intuitive and collaborative, ‘beBeer in your pocket’ is for everyone: beer lovers, professionals, visitors and elected councillors. The aim? To promote European brewing culture, one pint at a time.

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From June 13 to 15, visitors can enjoy complimentary access to two newly inaugurated galleries at the Art & History Museum in Brussels, celebrating Belgium’s rich heritage in 19th-century decorative arts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. In view of the opening to the wider public, Their Majesties the King and Queen visited the new spaces on 10 June.

A Long-Awaited Revival of Hidden Treasures

The new spaces mark a major milestone in the museum’s evolution, presenting long-unseen masterpieces in a fresh, immersive setting designed to highlight their artistic and historical significance.

The Art Nouveau and Art Deco gallery (715 m²) is a visual feast, immersing visitors in the dynamic world of Belgian modern decorative arts. Born in Brussels in 1893, Art Nouveau is showcased through emblematic works by Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar, and others. A true highlight is the fully restored winter garden from the Maison Cousin by Horta — an architectural gem unveiled to the public for the first time.

This vibrant narrative continues with an exploration of Belgian Art Deco, revealing its stylistic diversity and modernist elegance.

In parallel, the 19th-Century Decorative Arts gallery (500 m²) offers a rich journey through major 19th-century styles such as Empire, Neo-Gothic, and Japonism. This new space paints a detailed portrait of bourgeois life in the 1800s, featuring exquisite furniture, everyday objects, and rare masterpieces. Several highlights have been generously loaned by the King Baudouin Foundation.

A Cultural Celebration

This three-day opening celebration is more than just a visit — it’s an invitation to rediscover Belgian artistic heritage in one of the country’s most iconic museums. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious, these new galleries promise a compelling cultural experience.

The museum is located in Parc du Cinquantenaire and easily accessible by public transport.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step into the past and celebrate the beauty of Belgian design — admission is free from June 13 to 15.

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A more prominent corner dedicated to Poland
The addition of these two models allows Poland to take on a more prominent role within the park, offering visitors a more comprehensive view of its rich cultural heritage. These monuments are integrated into a carefully designed setting that evokes the atmosphere of the Royal Łazienki Park, with special animations to enrich the visitor experience. Vinciane Meeùs, Managing Director of Mini-Europe: ‘A visit to Mini-Europe is a chance to discover magnificent monuments, superbly animated decors and a unique encounter with European history and values. With the addition of these new Polish monuments, the history of Mini-Europe is expanding.’
A cultural heritage representative of European history
Mini-Europe now presents four Polish monuments representing different periods of European history:
The Palace on the Isle (Lazienki Palace) (inaugurated in 2025): This baroque house, transformed by King Poniatowski into a bathhouse, represents the elegance and grandeur of Poland’s classical heritage. The King ruled the common market of Lithuania and Poland at the time and attempted to introduce the reforms of the Enlightenment in Poland.
The Statue of Chopin (inaugurated in 2025): Paying tribute to the most famous Polish composer, whose music, inspired by nostalgia for his homeland, reinvented classical music worldwide. A musical installation playing Chopin’s compositions is a reminder of the famous open-air concerts that have been held in the park for over 65 years.
These are in addition to those that already existed:
The Arthus Court in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): A symbol of European trade in the period, this neo-Gothic style house welcomed merchants from all over Europe, particularly from the Hanseatic League. Built by a Dutchman, it displays Roman symbols and the effigy of Sigismund III, Grand Duke of Lithuania, King of Poland and King of Sweden.
The Three Crosses Monument in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): This monument pays tribute to the victims of the shipyards during the trade union struggles and stands as a symbol of the Solidarnosc movement in its fight against Soviet authority.

Celebrating Polish culture
To celebrate Poland’s cultural richness, Mini-Europe plans to organize a Polish Weekend on 26 and 27 April 2025, offering visitors the opportunity to discover Polish culinary delights, enjoy cultural and folkloric entertainment, participate in family workshops and discover Polish crafts.
A collaborative project
The expansion of the Polish section at Mini-Europe is a joint initiative of the Polish Embassy in Belgium, the Polish Tourist Office and Mini-Europe, with the support of the City of Warsaw, the Mazovia Voivodeship, the Royal Łazienki Museum and LOT Polish Airlines.
This project takes on special significance as Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, reaffirming its commitment to Europe’s shared history and culture.
Craftsmanship down to the last detail
The project began in 2022 and was a precision job, tailor-made for the site. It involved selecting the monuments and dealing with the administrative formalities, painstaking work to reproduce the details of these monuments on a scale of 1:25 based on plans, photos and drone scans, hand-painted finishes, as well as bringing the whole thing to life with figurines and animations in a natural setting.

About Mini-Europe

Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is the only park where, in the space of a few hours, you can travel across Europe. A journey that you will not find anywhere else. Stroll through the typical atmospheres of the most beautiful cities of the Old Continent. The unmistakeable chimes of Big Ben welcome you to the heart of London. Gondolas and mandolins introduce you to the charms of Venice. Take the Eurostar from Paris to the other side of France. Trigger the animations yourself: the eruption of Vesuvius, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the bullfight in Seville and many others… A total of 350 models and animations of an unequalled level of finish. Mini-Europe… a visit not to be missed during your stay in Brussels!  www.minieurope.eu

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The current formator, David Leisterh (MR-french speaking liberal party), has been unable to form a regional government, leaving the region in a situation of precarious governance coupled with a financial situation that is worsening by the day. Brussels is facing a political impasse due to linguistic and ideological divisions between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking parties. Politicians’ egos, the search for the « stinking valet »…: is all this compatible with good governance? 

The idea of a ‘European district’ for Brussels is not new, but if von der Leyen decided to impose it, it could offer several potential advantages. European funds could be used to improve transport infrastructure, thereby reducing urban congestion. Brussels would become an even more attractive hub for businesses and cultural organisations, simplifying administration for international residents and workers. Greater security would benefit this diplomatically crucial area, and the city-region could embody a model of sustainable urban development.

However, there could be many challenges and resistance to this proposal. Belgium could see this as a loss of control over its capital, requiring complex amendments to the European treaties. The balance of power between the EU and local governance would have to be carefully managed to ensure that local voices are not drowned out. It would nevertheless be a fine case of the multi-level governance so much advocated by European bodies such as the Committee of the Regions. On the other hand, funding such a project would raise questions of equity, and there would potentially be political opposition within Belgium and across Europe. Social integration could also be put to the test, with a risk of exacerbating cultural tensions.

In the current context, it is complicated to ask the opinion of the different political parties, whether they are French-speaking or Dutch-speaking. In any case, the governance of such a European district would require a mixed administration, combining local and European governance, with a commission where all levels of power would be represented. A direct European authority would be needed for issues of security, European infrastructure and specific urban planning, while ensuring local participation. Legislation would need to coordinate Belgian and European frameworks to avoid conflicts, and funding would be shared between the EU and Belgium, with specific funds for European projects.

Governance challenges include striking a balance between Belgian souverainty and European influence, ensuring the democratic representation of Brussels residents, adapting legislative frameworks, coordinating between Brussels-based institutions, and managing potential conflicts.

If von der Leyen chooses to impose this district, she would be navigating stormy political waters, requiring agreement between the EU, Belgium, and potentially the approval of other Member States. Such action would be seen as a major intervention by the EU in Belgian governance, putting the principles of subsidiarity and national souverainty to the test. 

In conclusion, although the idea of a European district for Brussels could solve some of the region’s concrete and current problems, it raises many questions about democracy, sovereignty and the future of European integration. The fear that von der Leyen could impose such a reform may well bring Belgian politicians back to reality, encouraging them to move away from ego battles and focus on forming a functional government and consensus to govern Brussels in the interests of all its residents. Perhaps that’s the most important thing: getting everyone around the negotiating table, isn’t it? 

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The royal speech addressed the major challenges of our time: armed conflict, geopolitical upheaval, climate change and social inequality. In response to questions from the young people, King Philippe urged adults, governments and authorities not to remain indifferent in the face of violations of human rights and international law. He said: « To hope is not to wait passively for a better future. It means making a commitment to build, to move forward together towards a fairer, more respectful world, where every child is welcomed as the most precious of promises. »

Stressing that the ideal of a world without war and suffering remains a noble aspiration despite its utopian nature, the King recalled that collective effort and determination are essential to progress towards this goal. He also paid tribute to the many actors in civil society who, through their work in areas such as health, education, justice and social cohesion, embody this hope and show the way. Their contribution, according to His Majesty, is a source of inspiration for building a future based on unity and solidarity, values that are Belgium’s strength. Finally, the King expressed his optimism for the year ahead, calling for cooperation and responsibility from all Belgian governments to strengthen the confidence of citizens in the future.

In a spirit of renewal and hope, the speech concluded with these warm words: « May this Christmas and New Year period be for each of us a source of inspiration, renewal and hope. » His Majesty King Philippe, the Queen and their entire family sent their Christmas and New Year greetings, once again embodying their role as benevolent and unifying guides for the nation. This message, which is both personal and universal, invites every citizen to participate in building a fairer and more united world, a world of hope for future generations.

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A 20-metre-high Christmas tree and a 3D show on City Hall

This year, the 2024 Christmas tree does not come from a faraway forest. The search resulted in a 20-metre-high Nordmann from a private garden in Rixensart (Walloon Brabant). The tree, which had become a little too big, was donated to the City of Brussels by its owners, providing it with a setting worthy of its splendour. The lighting is magnificent, and the nativity scene is the main attraction of Christmas in the Grand-Place, except when the 3D video mapping is shown on the façade of the Town Hall, attracting the amazed gazes of spectators. 

An Unforgettable Experience

‘Plaisirs d’Hiver is above all an experience to be lived and shared. With its Christmas market, iconic attractions and rich cultural programme, it will continue to be the must-see event at the end of the year. Our aim is to consolidate this event to make it even more sustainable, and to involve as many people as possible from our neighbourhoods,’ says Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels.

Unmissable new features and the Var as guest of honour

This edition of Plaisirs d’Hiver also includes some exciting new features:

• The Village dedicated to the Var, the essence of Provence and the Côte d’Azur, with its 18 partners, a Provencal nativity scene with 300 santons, and themed events every weekend.
• An extension of the Christmas market: 11 additional stands on rue de la Madeleine and a Creators Factory market in the Galerie Bortier.
• Unique artistic installations:
  • Lucia, an immersive multimedia creation from Quebec in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville.
  • Echinodermus, a giant 11-metre luminary on the Mont des Arts, glittering as night falls.

A variety of events and performances (circus, dance, music, etc.) are organised throughout the Plaisirs d’Hiver. Through an economic, tourism and cultural partnership with the Var department, the City of Brussels is offering visitors to Plaisirs d’Hiver a unique opportunity to discover this popular destination for Europeans all year round. Expertise from the Var will be showcased in around ten Christmas market chalets, featuring a Provencal cot and a chalet dedicated to tourism promotion.

Come to the Place de la Bourse for olive oils, artisanal biscuits, black truffles, jams, beers, wines and the emblematic perfumes of the Var, all treasures that will awaken your senses and offer you an unforgettable encounter with the art of living in the Var, combining Provencal and Côte d’Azur traditions.

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Once upon a time in the early 19th century, a farmer from Schaerbeek named Jan Lammers left  some chicory roots to dry in his cellar and then went off to fight in the Belgian War of Independence. He thought it would be great to have a ready supply of dried leaves to roast into coffee when he got back from the war.

When he finally came home months later, Lammers was astonished to find that white leaves had sprouted and multiplied all over his cellar. Curious about this unfamiliar variety, Lammers picked up one of the leaves and took a bite. Mmmm, it was crunchy and quite savoury. Et voilà, a new vegetable was born. It came to be called chicorée Witloof, which we now know as the Belgian endive, also known as the Brussels chicory, or quite simply, the chicon.

According to another version, the chicon was first discovered and cultivated by Frank Bresiers, chief gardener at the Brussels Botanical Garden. Either way, the point is – it was made and discovered in Belgium, and soon spread to other parts of Europe.

Today, after almost two centuries since its discovery, the cultivation of chicon takes its place in the prestigious Brussels inventory of intangible cultural heritage. The special honor was bestowed on the Belgian endive through the initiative of Brussels Urbanism and Heritage or Urban.brussels. 

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From its old headquarters in Avenue d’Auderghem, the municipal administration of Etterbeek will serve the public from a new, energy-efficient building in the Jardins de la Chasse area starting today, the 16th of March.

Other municipal services, including the Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS), the local job centre, and the Montgomery Police, will also set up operations in the new location in the coming days.

Designed by Jaspers-Eyers Architects in collaboration with BAEB,  the low-energy building stands five storeys high and covers 14,500 square meters of office space in total. It includes a three-level underground parking area and a multi-faith funeral home. 

“All the services that are useful to the public are now located in one place, and we took the opportunity to design the reception area in an entirely different way to further improve the quality of service,” said Etterbeek Mayor Vincent De Wolf.

The new municipal building is part of a large-scale urban development program initiated by the mayor some 10 years ago. The project aims to transform a three-hectare site in Jardins de la Chasse into a new neighborhood.

The next stages of the project will involve the construction of more than 200 new housing units, a childcare centre, new roads, a green space, and other community services. 

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But the closer you look at her, the more interesting she gets.

This isn’t a quiz on Brussels trivia.

It’s a test on how well you can recognize the features that distinguish the face of Brussels.

For each question, you will be shown an image displaying only a snippet of a specific location in Brussels.

Can you still guess the place?

If you can’t, at least you’ll learn a few new things after taking the quiz.

Good luck and have fun!

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