Pink Illumination Lights Up Belgium in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Since 2000, Pink Ribbon in collaboration with Estée Lauder Companies—has been illuminating iconic buildings around the world in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. In keeping with annual tradition, on September 30 and October 1, various buildings in Belgium will also be bathed in pink light to mark the start of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recent years, the honor of Pink Illumination in Belgium has gone to, among others, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, the Station d'Europe of the European Parliament, the Atomium in Brussels, the town halls of Brussels, Bruges, and Lier, and the mine shafts of Maasmechelen.

During International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, famous buildings and landmarks around the world are lit up in pink. These “Pink Illuminations” literally bring breast cancer into the spotlight and send a powerful message of solidarity to everyone affected by the disease.

Pink Ribbon , also brings this initiative to life every year in Belgium. In 2026, Pink Illumination was a huge success: on September 30, more than 80 Belgian municipalities lit up their town halls, public buildings, or other recognizable landmarks in pink. From Flanders to Wallonia, Belgium came together to turn the country pink as a sign of solidarity with everyone living with breast cancer today or who has been affected by it.

Together, we're raising awareness about breast cancer

The participating municipalities did more than just illuminate their town hall or another recognizable building in pink. They also used their own communication channels to raise awareness about breast cancer among their residents. For example, many municipalities shared information about the disease and the importance of early detection via their websites, social media, or other local communication channels. Some municipalities went a step further and hung “ Pink Ribbon ” flags to visibly show their support in the streets.

In this way, Pink Illumination grew into more than just a moment of pink lighting. It became a broad local awareness campaign that brought residents together and made breast cancer visible and open for discussion.

Breast cancer affects us all. One in eight women in Belgium will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. Men can also develop the disease. That is why it remains important to be well-informed, to talk about breast cancer, and to focus on early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the treatment options and chances of survival.

Europe Is Turning Pink, Too

A powerful message was also sent from the heart of Europe. Station Europe on Luxembourg Square in Brussels was illuminated in pink for the third consecutive year with the support of the European Parliament. In doing so, Belgium has joined a global movement in which iconic buildings are lit up in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Stronger Together

Through Pink Illumination, Pink Ribbon aims to bring people together and show that no one is alone in the fight against breast cancer. The more we talk about breast cancer, the more awareness we create.

Thanks to the many municipalities that are lighting up their buildings in pink, communicating about this, and showing their support in public spaces, a strong wave of solidarity and unity is emerging.

Together, we're raising awareness about breast cancer.

Stronger Together.