Borgerhout Festival Thrives Amidst Heatwave

Borgerhout, Belgium, transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and music on Saturday as it celebrated its annual street festival, Borgerrio. The Turnhoutsebaan and its side streets buzzed with activity, hosting a lively parade, live music from around the globe, a bustling world market, and a general street fair. The event, designed as a free family festival, drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, showcasing the community's strong connection to the celebration.

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Het is warm, maar ik ben afkomstig van Guinee en daar is het nu ook 35 graden. Het is beter om te dansen in de warmte dan in de regen. Dan kunnen we de trommels die uit huid zijn gemaakt, niet gebruiken. Ik ben superblij met het mooie weer. We drinken veel water.

The festival kicked off with a colorful parade featuring local dance groups and international performers, including the UNESCO-recognized Royal Burundi Drummers and the award-winning Caribbean show band, BLM Brassband. Local Borgerhout groups also participated, adding to the diverse lineup. For the performers, the warm weather, reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius, was a familiar and even welcome condition, reminiscent of their home countries and conducive to playing instruments made of skin.

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Ik trek een leuke en frisse jurk aan. Ik heb geen last van de warmte. Die past ook bij het feest.

Attendees, like Aafke, embraced the festive atmosphere, choosing light attire and staying hydrated. Thor also managed the heat by dressing lightly, drinking fruit juices, and seeking shade. The parade, which traversed the Turnhoutsebaan twice, included new pop-up performances along the route. Meanwhile, the world market offered a culinary and cultural journey, featuring authentic dishes, crafts, and traditions from various continents, alongside interactive workshops.

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Het is een beetje afzien, maar ik ben licht gekleed en drink veel fruitsap met ijs. Verder probeer ik zoveel mogelijk in de schaduw te lopen.

The Moorkensplein served as the festival's musical heart in the evening, with the Bom Dia Stage hosting emerging talent and established artists. The headline act was the Antwerp-based group Think Of One, marking their comeback. Kelly Moons, the communication manager for the Borgerhout district, emphasized the festival's significance, stating, "It doesn't matter what the temperatures are, this is truly a high day. The festival is truly tailor-made for Borgerhout." She noted that, similar to previous hot editions, the event attracted over 20,000 participants and spectators, proving that high temperatures do not deter the community's enthusiasm.

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Het maakt niet uit welke temperaturen het zijn, dit is echt een hoogdag. Het festival is echt op het lijf van Borgerhout geschreven. Net zoals bij de vorige heel warme edities zijn er meer dan 20.000 toeschouwers en deelnemers. Mensen blijven echt niet thuis.