Belgium — Events
Brussels Flower Show
The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city’s annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds.
ArtBrussels
Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium’s premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.
Brussels Beach
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation.
Belgian F1 Grand Prix
The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the most exciting races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day. The track is two hours away from Brussels.
Europalia Festival
Europalia is a major international arts festival held every two years to celebrate one invited country’s cultural heritage. Since 1969, Europalia has organized some twenty festivals. Each has turned the spotlight on one culture in a comprehensive program of music, fine arts, photography, cinema, theater, dance and literature. From October to February, the festival fills numerous locations in Brussels, other Belgian cities and in neighboring countries.
Brussels Flower Carpet
For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the center of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of ‘rose windows’. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-colored end result is well worth it.
