In virtue of its long history of conquests, monarch shifts and constant transforming of neighboring European countries, Belgian people cultivated and endeavored to preserve its cultural, religious and ethnic customs, which made them a strong national entity nowadays despite the unity of discrepant Flanders on the north and Walloon on the south. The most powerful centers of long-standing traditions are likely to be met in small towns situated all over the country. Besides conservation of architectural masterpieces in face of medieval and gothic castles and cathedrals, Belgian settlements can be called also the focuses of folk art, in particular, ancient...
from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Small-Towns-of-Belgium---The-Epitomes-of-National-Culture&id=6795374
