Thursday, July 7

Once again, the ACB offers members and guests a unique opportunity to view the Ommegang procession on the Grand’Place while dining in one of the most elegant restaurants in Brussels.

La Maison du Cygne is housed in a former 17th century guild house that overlooks the Grand’Place. From the balcony and windows of a large private dining room, we will have an unparalleled view of the Ommegang as the pageant unfolds on one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Menu “Made in Brussels”
(includes wine and water)
Terrine de Foie Gras de Canard et Filet d’Anvers
(Terrine of Duck Liver and Smoked Ham)
* * *
Waterzooi de Coucou de Malines au Légumes Croquants
(Chicken Waterzooi with Crispy Vegetables)
* * *
Gaufre de Bruxelles et Crème au Speculoos
(Brussels Waffle with Speculoos-flavored Cream)
* * *
Le Moka et ses Mignardises
(coffee and sweets)

The Ommegang takes place each year on the first Thursday in July and the preceding Tuesday (this year, Tuesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 7). Ommegang (literally “walk-around”) is a faithful recreation of a splendid pageant that was first performed in 1549 for Emperor Charles V, his son Philip II, and the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Staged at night on the illuminated Grand’Place, the two-hour extravaganza includes flag-throwers, folk dancers, archers, acrobats, jesters, jugglers, fire-eaters, falcon-trainers, folkloric giants, stilt-walkers, and the famous Gilles of Binche. Descendents of the nobility of the time play the roles and wear the coats of arms and sumptuous costumes of their ancestors.

This is a spectacular affair, and one of the biggest festivals in the country. Our dinner evening at La Maison du Cygne offers, literally and figuratively, a window on this amazing event. Make sure to bring your camera!

Event Details
Date: Thursday, July 7
Time: Open cash bar: 7:00 p.m., Dinner: 8:00 p.m.
Place: La Maison du Cygne, Grand’Place (entrance: Rue Charles Buls 2), 1000 Brussels
Price: €75 for ACB and AWCB members; €85 for non-members
Dress code: Coat and tie requested

Reservations are due by noon on Monday, July 4 by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), online at www.americanclubbrussels.org, or by telephone to the ACB Office Manager (02/219.58.08). Payment to ACB at 427-9195881-44 will confirm your reservation. Be sure to mention “Ommegang” in the communications section of the virement. Cancellations are possible until noon on Monday, July 4. Participants canceling after this time, as well as no-shows, are charged the full cost of the event.