Sunday Pigeon Market
Duivenmarkt

Lier’s unique pigeon market has up to 5,000 birds here for sale every Sunday! The pigeon racing tradition is alive and well in Lier. Buy, browse or watch the pigeons in the market square

Lier has a variety of markets in their square every week. On Sunday mornings in winter/early spring, you’ll come across the Pigeon Market. Here, pigeons in wooden crates are up for sale. It’s definitely a unique sight to see in Lier. Up to 5,000 birds are here for sale every Sunday from January - April. If you’re lucky you might see a pigeon race too.

• The sellers keep info on the pigeons like where they’re from & wing span on sheets above each pigeon. You’ll learn a fair bit about pigeons here
• Pigeons might not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think “pet” but they can make great avian pets if that’s your thing
• The pigeons are super high bred, but they’re also pretty affordable at 10 to 40€ if you’re keen to take one home
• Visiting Lier with friends? A popular game with tourists is to each buy a pigeon, put in money to a betting pool, and race the pigeons. Whoever's pigeon is the fastest wins the pot

The Pigeon History of Belgium

Why is this pigeon market a thing? You’re going to have to take a deep dive into Belgium’s history to find out.

Pigeon racing started as a sport in 19th century Belgium. Back then, pigeons were actually messenger birds. The first pigeon race was all the way back in 1818. Basically every village in Belgium had a pigeon racing club. After WW2 pigeon racing was a major sport in Belgium. It was even bigger than football! There were about 200,000 pigeon sellers in Belgium in 1949-50 crazy, right? But how does a pigeon race work?

Pigeon racing traditionally works by putting a rubber ring with a unique number on it around the pigeon's leg, so the pigeon can be identified. They set the clock, the pigeons set off, and the pigeons race home. The pigeon that gets there first wins.

These days, pigeon racers have found an easier method. Pigeons are fitted with an electronic chip which lets the owners know when they have arrived. Pigeon racing is still going in Belgium. You get a good look at this historic sport in Lier’s market.