How Belgian expatriates preserve their traditions far from home
Expatriating without losing one's roots
Leaving Belgium to settle abroad represents much more than just a change of address. It is a profound transformation that touches on one's very identity. Yet, every year, thousands of Belgians take the plunge, bringing a bit of their homeland with them in their suitcases – both literally and figuratively.
How do they maintain this precious connection to their roots? How do Belgian flavors, traditions, and culture continue to thrive in other latitudes? We have explored the various ways in which our expatriate compatriots keep the Belgian flame alive, even thousands of miles away from home.
Belgian cuisine: ambassador of our traditions
"It's through the stomach that one remains Belgian," Marie, who has been living in Australia for 8 years, confides to us. A truth shared by many Belgians abroad. Gastronomy often serves as the first tangible link to the homeland, and Belgian expatriates spare no effort to recreate the flavors of home.
Festivities centered around our specialties
The calendar of Belgian expatriates is often marked by essential culinary gatherings. The impromptu mussels-and-fries nights in the summer, the waffle-making sessions on weekends, or the famous "carbonade parties" where everyone adds their personal touch to this classic of our cuisine. These moments are not just an opportunity to eat, but to share, tell stories, and pass on a bit of our Belgian identity.
Many are those who do not hesitate to make room in their luggage for a few essential products that cannot be found abroad. Others stock up through specialized online shops, like our site. Belices.be, to regularly receive packages filled with Belgian treats.
Recreate the flavors of childhood
Crushed speculoos on a slice of bread, L'Impériale mustard from Bister with the Sunday sausages, or even the sauces Bicky to accompany a homemade hamburger... These small daily gestures are emotional anchors that connect the expatriate to their home country. For many, these flavors represent a true Belgian "madeleine de Proust."
"I learned to make speculoos myself," says Thomas, who has been living in Canada for 5 years. "At first, it was for my children, so they could experience that unique taste. Now, it has become a family tradition, and even my Canadian neighbors look forward to Christmas to receive their package of homemade speculoos!"
Celebrate our national holidays and traditions
Out of sight but not out of mind, the Belgian calendar continues to shape the lives of many expatriates. July 21, the national holiday, often becomes an opportunity for a gathering among expatriate Belgians, sometimes even a small reception where the black-yellow-red colors are in order.
Reinvented traditions
Improvised Saint-Nicholas celebrations in Belgian communities abroad, where an expatriate dedicates themselves to donning the mitre and the big white beard. Easter egg hunts, where Belgian chocolate remains king, even on the other side of the world. Or the galettes des rois in January, an opportunity to come together and perpetuate a tradition that is truly ours.
These celebrations often take on a special significance abroad. They become precious moments where one can speak their native language, evoke shared memories, and introduce foreign spouses or children born far from Belgium to our culture.
Sports events as rallying points
When the Red Devils play, all of expatriate Belgium comes alive! Numerous testimonials speak of those football nights when we gather, Belgian flag on our shoulders, to support our national team. These moments create an exceptional cohesion, a sense of belonging that transcends borders.
"During the Euro or the World Cup, I always look for a bar where Belgians gather," explains Philippe, an expatriate in Thailand. "It's an opportunity to meet new fellow countrymen, share our experiences as expatriates, and feel, for the duration of a match, that we are part of something bigger."
Create a Belgian community abroad
Unity is strength, as our national motto says. And this is especially true for expatriate Belgians who quickly understand the importance of coming together.
Belgian associations and clubs
In many international metropolises, Belgian associations have emerged. Whether it is the "Belgian Club" in London, the "Union of Belgians Abroad" in New York, or the numerous "Houses of Belgium" around the world, these organizations play a crucial role in maintaining Belgian identity.
They organize cultural events, conferences, exhibitions of Belgian artists, film screenings, and concerts showcasing our national talents. They are also often the point of contact for new Belgian arrivals who are looking to integrate while maintaining a connection to their roots.
Mutual aid and solidarity
Beyond cultural aspects, these communities play an important social role. They allow for mutual assistance with sometimes complex administrative procedures, share advice on settling in the host country, or simply offer a listening ear and understanding in case of homesickness.
"When I arrived in Japan, I felt completely lost," says Elise, an expatriate graphic designer in Tokyo. "I found a Facebook group of Belgians in Japan that not only helped me with the administrative paperwork but also invited me to a Belgian barbecue the following week. I met people there who became close friends. We exchange Belgian products, celebrate holidays together, and support each other. It's a little Belgium in miniature."
The role of social media
Facebook groups, WhatsApp, or other social platforms have revolutionized the way expatriates can stay connected with each other and with their home country. Groups like "Belgians in London," "Belgians in Montreal," or "Belgians in Asia" bring together hundreds, sometimes thousands, of members who share information, advice, and event announcements.
These virtual communities perfectly complement physical associations and even allow geographically isolated Belgians to maintain a connection with their culture.
The transmission to new generations
For Belgian expatriates with children born abroad, the issue of cultural transmission takes on a particularly important dimension. How can they ensure that their children feel Belgian, at least in part, without having lived in the country?
The language as a vector of identity
Whether it is French, Dutch, or German, maintaining the mother tongue is often a priority. Many Belgian expatriate parents strive to speak exclusively their language with their children, despite the pressure of the local linguistic environment.
"I only speak Dutch to my children, while my husband speaks to them in English," explains Sophie, who is settled in Singapore. "At first, it was difficult; they often responded to me in English. But I held my ground, and today they are perfectly bilingual. When we go back to Belgium, they can communicate with their grandparents, their cousins... It's an invaluable treasure."
Traveling in Belgium
Nothing replaces direct experience. Expat families often place great importance on regular trips to Belgium, so that children can soak up the atmosphere, landscapes, sounds, and smells of the country.
These trips provide the opportunity to visit iconic places, meet extended family, and experience Belgian traditions in their original context. Many parents report the changes they observe in their children after these journeys: an increased interest in Belgian culture and a newfound pride in their origins.
Conclusion: the balance between roots and new wings
The experience of Belgian expatriates shows us that maintaining one's traditions is not incompatible with being open to a new culture. On the contrary, it is often by keeping a strong connection to one's roots that one can confidently embrace the new experiences offered by the host country.
Through cuisine, celebrations, communities, and the passing down to new generations, Belgians abroad are constantly reinventing what it means to be Belgian far from Belgium. In doing so, they create a modern, adaptive Belgian identity that borrows from the host country while maintaining the essence of what defines our national identity.
At Belices.be We are proud to accompany our fellow countrymen on this adventure, allowing them to receive a bit of Belgium directly at home, wherever they are in the world. Because we know that sometimes, all it takes is a package of speculoos, a jar of L'Impériale mustard, or a box of pralines to feel, for a moment, back at home.