The Iris Festival is the annual and official celebration of the Brussels-Capital Region in Belgium.
It takes place on 8 May[1][2] and is a day off for Brussels officials.
[3] The date of 8 May was chosen for three reasons: it takes place during the flowering period of the yellow iris—also called flower of Lys—which is the symbol of the region and is pictured on its flag;[4][5] it is the day of the victory against Nazi Germany during World War II;[4] and it is also one of the feasts of Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of the City of Brussels.
During the multi-day party, free concerts, street entertainment and all kinds of activities are organised for the general public.
Some monuments are exceptionally accessible to the public, and a food truck festival takes place on this day.