EUROPALIA was established with the aim of bringing the arts and culture of European countries to the heart of Europe itself.

The name EUROPALIA is a combination of two words: "Europe" and "Opalia", an ancient Roman harvest festival held in mid-December in honour of Ops, earth-goddess and fertility deity.

For approximately four months (traditionally starting in October), and in partnership with a wide network of cultural partners (museums, theatre and concert halls and other venues), EUROPALIA presents a series of artistic and socio-cultural projects that bring together visual arts, performing arts, film, music, literature and debate.

In recent years, newly commissioned projects and artistic residencies have started occupying a central place in the multidisciplinary programme, which focuses on both the heritage and the contemporary art scene of the invited country.

The opening event takes place in the capital, but the programme also unfolds in other cities across Belgium, such as Liège and Antwerp, among others.