Belgium is brimming with history, with medieval houses and soaring castles dotting the country, but if you crave a more vivid picture of the nation's past, make your way to Brussels this summer. From June 30 to July 2, 2009, the Ommegang Pageant will take place in the city center, bringing Belgian history to life through folklore, magic, dancing, and music. The Ommegang dates back to at least 1549, when Charles the Fifth, his son Don Philip, and his sisters, Eleanor of Austria, Queen of France and Mary of Hungary threw a big celebration for, well, themselves...

The modern festival hearkens back to those medieval days, filling the Grand Place with flag bearers, costumed riders, and troops with crossbows in a symbolic show of power, opulence, and nobility. After the Notre Dame du Sablon - the statue of the Virgin - has been safely escorted from the Sablon Church, it's time for the party to begin, and the square fills with 1,400 performers, along with games and other entertainment. It seems fitting to mention here that Belgium produces some of the finest beer in the world, barrels of which will be on hand to quench the thirst of patrons and performers alike. After all, brewing history should be celebrated as well. Starwood has four hotels in Brussels, including the luxurious Sheraton Brussels Hotel.