Bonheidansfestival is a traditional folk festival hosted by De Krekels in Bonheiden, Belgium. We celebrate every summer the richness of traditional dance and music with groups from all over the globe.

Bonheiden is a village next to Mechelen, in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium between Brussels and Antwerp.

The first edition of this festival was organised in November 1975 with our first guest group from the Netherlands. The festival now takes place over four days in the second half of August. In 2026 we celebrate the 50th edition.

Our guest groups stay with host families during the festival, which promotes friendship and the exchange of culture. This is why we refer to it as a festival with a heart.

Over the years we have welcomed groups from the following countries:
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bali, Basque Country, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Czechia, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, Hungary, Ile de la Réunion, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Martinique, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Sakha, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Siberia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Yugoslavia and Zaire.

Contact us at festival@dekrekels.example.becom for inquiries about participating in our festival.