Thousands are expected to gather in Ostend, Belgium, on September 7-8 for ManiFiesta, a festival of solidarity organized by a coalition of left organizations in the country. The event will mark the unofficial start of Belgium’s political season, bringing together activists, trade unionists, and political leaders to discuss some of the most pressing issues in Europe and the world today.
ManiFiesta, organized by groups including Intal, Cubanismo, and Redfox, with the support of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB), consists of a mix of political discussions, cultural performances, and music. This year’s lineup includes performances by funk band Jamila & the Other Heroes, and rapper Lowkey.
The Movement for Palestine
One of the central themes of this year’s event is the movement for Palestine, which has grown exponentially amid Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. Key speakers include Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, who will be joined by activists, health workers, and students involved in the movement for Palestinian liberation. Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of the successes and challenges faced by those fighting for the freedom of Palestine.
Addressing the Rise of the Far-Right
Discussions on the rise of the far-right and the arms race in Europe will also take the spotlight. British MP Jeremy Corbyn, alongside trade unionists, will speak on the importance of peace in shaping a more just society. Other notable figures such as Aleida Guevara, Vijay Prashad, and Irvin Jim will lead debates on imperialism and the ongoing global struggle against it.
Strengthening Workers' Rights
Workers’ struggles will be another major focus of ManiFiesta. Shawn Fain from the US-based United Auto Workers (UAW) will speak at the central event on Saturday. His intervention will be amplified during other debates of ManiFiesta’s trade union-specific program, with talks by PTB European parliamentarian Rudi Kennes and Public Services International’s (PSI) Baba Aye expected to focus into the specificities of organizing among health workers and shaping a more just industrial strategy for Europe.
Shaping a Just Future for Healthcare
The struggle for health care will also be highlighted, with organizations Viva Salud and Medics for the People (MPLP/GVHV) leading discussions on reforming the pharmaceutical sector and addressing the working conditions in healthcare. Health workers from Palestine, Georgia, the Philippines, and other regions will share their experiences, focusing on the migration and political persecution of health workers.
A Call to Action: Solidarity in the Face of Crisis
By the end of the weekend, participants are expected to leave with renewed mobilization energy. In a climate where the far-right continues to gain ground in Europe, this year’s ManiFiesta will serve as both a celebration of solidarity and a call for activism and joint struggle. The festival is a crucial reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of international solidarity in tackling the challenges facing us today.
