Heritage Day 2026 explores how humour builds bridges and draws boundaries. Humour is everywhere: from the satire of the jester to the wink of an internet meme. Sometimes disarming, sometimes painfully accurate, sometimes just on the edge. HAHA Humour explores how laughter brings us together, but also how jokes can cross boundaries, hurt or exclude people. Humour changes with the times and tells us something about who we are – and who we were.
The treasury of Saint Martin's Basilica
On a treasure hunt in the basilica's underground treasure chamber!
When visiting Halle, St Martin's Basilica, home of the black Madonna, is an absolute must!
From the moment the miraculous statue arrived, pilgrims flocked to Halle. Among them also numerous crowned heads who donated valuable objects to the Halle Madonna. On Heritage Day, we will open the door to the underground treasure chamber and you can come and admire these treasures. A guide from Visit Halle will give a brief explanation of what can be seen in the treasure chamber for those who wish.
➜ Open from 1pm to 5pm - not wheelchair accessible.
➜ Entry is free. No registration is necessary.
➜ A fun treasure hunt is provided for children.
➜ Attention: no backpacks allowed
➜ Address: Grote Markt - 1500 Halle
Tourism office - Historic town hall
Old Folk Games and Wheel of Fortune - Fun for Young and Old!
Pulling faces - Modelling workshop for young and old!
Discover how humour has found its place in our heritage over the centuries!
During Heritage Day, you can sculpt your own funny face in a block of clay, inspired by the variety of gargoyles and mischievous faces that adorn our basilica. Let your creativity run wild and, together with your family, create the most characteristic face that will make everyone smile. Come along and enjoy an afternoon full of fun and heritage!
➜ Continuous from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Not wheelchair accessible.
➜ The workshop is free of charge. Registration is not required.
➜ For young and old from 6 years to 100+
➜ Address: Grote Markt 1 - 1500 Halle
Open museum 'den AST'
Expo ‘From Akarova to Thevenet. Halle in the arts’
800 years of city rights will be celebrated at Streekmuseum den AST with a unique exhibition: ‘From Akarova to Thevenet, Halle in the arts’. Based on around a hundred works, this exhibition paints a picture of Halle through the eyes of artists. Not only cityscapes are featured, but also famous Halle people, Halle porcelain and special Halle traditions. Be sure to admire the colourful costumes from the wardrobe of the little Vaantjesboer, the “Halse mannekenpis”.
Families with children are also welcome at this expo! Find the mouse tracks in the museum, go on an adventure with the family game ‘BINGO Mystery’ and dive into the fascinating world of hidden stories and unique facts with the brand new digital trail.
➜ The museum is free to enter on Heritage Day.
➜ 1pm to 5pm. Wheelchair accessible.
➜ Address: Meiboom 16 -1500 Halle
Carillon concert 'With a touch of humour'
From 3 pm to 4 pm
Halle city carilloneur Eddy Mariën will play musical numbers with a humorous twist especially for Heritage Day 2026. You can enjoy this free concert from a terrace near the Grote Markt. Would you rather listen to this concert in peace and quiet? Then head to the Mariahof (between Dekenstraat and Vestingstraat).
Sunday 26 april 2026
