The Flower Carpet in Brussels is a breathtaking floral display that takes place every two years in the heart of the Belgian capital. This extravagant event involves the creation of a giant carpet made entirely out of thousands of fresh flowers. The Flower Carpet has become one of the most iconic and highly anticipated events in Brussels, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. This introduction serves as a brief overview of the topic and sets the stage for further discussion and exploration of this stunning and unforgettable display of natural beauty.
The History and Significance of the Flower Carpet Festival
The Flower Carpet Festival in Brussels is a grand event that takes place every two years in the Belgian capital. This event is a testament to the city’s love affair with flowers and is considered one of the most beautiful and grandiose floral displays in the world. The tradition dates back to 1971 when a group of flower growers created the first Flower Carpet in front of the Grand Place as a tribute to the Belgian monarchy.
The First Flower Carpet
The first Flower Carpet was created in 1971 to commemorate the centenary of the Belgian monarchy. The carpet was made up of begonias, and it was an instant hit. The design was inspired by a Persian carpet, and the pattern featured the Belgian coat of arms. The success of the first Flower Carpet led to it becoming a biennial event.
The Evolution of the Flower Carpet Festival
Since its inception, the Flower Carpet Festival has evolved into a grand event that attracts visitors from all over the world. The carpets are now made up of over 600,000 begonias, and the designs are more intricate and elaborate. Each edition of the festival features a unique design, and the carpets are always a reflection of the cultural and historical significance of the city.
The Symbolism of the Begonia
The begonia is the flower of Brussels and is a symbol of the city’s resilience and determination. During World War II, the city was heavily bombed, and many of the buildings were destroyed. The begonia, however, survived, and it became a symbol of hope and rebirth for the people of Brussels. The Flower Carpet Festival is a celebration of this resilience and determination.
The Making of the Flower Carpet
The making of the Flower Carpet is a painstaking process that involves a team of skilled artisans and gardeners. The process begins months before the event, and it involves the planting of thousands of begonias in special greenhouses. The begonias are carefully nurtured, and the colors are selected to match the design of the carpet.
The Design
The design of the Flower Carpet is carefully planned, and it takes into consideration the cultural and historical significance of the city. The design is first sketched on paper, and then it is transferred to a special computer program that generates a digital image of the carpet. The digital image is then used to create a template that is used to guide the placement of the begonias on the ground.
The Installation
The installation of the Flower Carpet takes several days, and it involves the laying of over 600,000 begonias on the ground. The begonias are carefully placed on the ground, one by one, to create the intricate pattern of the carpet. The installation is a labor of love, and it is carried out by a team of skilled gardeners who take great pride in their work.
The Magic of the Flower Carpet Festival
The Flower Carpet Festival is a magical experience that transports visitors to a world of beauty and wonder. The festival is a celebration of the beauty of nature, and it is a reminder of the power of art to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The carpet is not just a display of flowers, but it is a work of art that reflects the creativity and ingenuity of the human mind.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Flower Carpet Festival is electric, and it is filled with the scent of blooming flowers. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world, and it is a celebration of diversity and unity. The festival is a melting pot of cultures, and it is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the city of Brussels.
The Night Show
The Flower Carpet Festival is not just a daytime event, but it is also a nighttime spectacle. The carpet is illuminated at night, and it is a sight to behold. The illumination of the carpet creates a magical atmosphere, and it is a reminder of the power of light to transform and elevate the human spirit.
FAQs for Flower Carpet in Brussels
What is the Flower Carpet in Brussels?
The Flower Carpet in Brussels is a biennial event where a massive carpet made of flower petals is displayed in the Grand Place of Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. It is a stunning display of colorful flowers designed in different patterns and themes.
When does the Flower Carpet take place?
The Flower Carpet is held every two years, usually in August. The festival lasts for four days, and the carpet is created for the main day of the event.
How is the Flower Carpet made?
The carpet is made of thousands of begonias that are grown in different colors and shades. The carpet designer draws the pattern, and a team of experts creates the carpet by laying the begonias on the ground, one by one, in a tight pattern.
How big is the Flower Carpet in Brussels?
The Flower Carpet covers an area of about 1000 square meters (or 10,764 square feet). The carpet typically consists of around 500,000 flowers and can take up to 16 hours to complete.
Is there a fee to see the Flower Carpet?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to see the Flower Carpet. The fee varies depending on the location from which you view the carpet. Tickets usually start from €5, and children under ten are free.
Can I walk on the Flower Carpet?
No, visitors are not allowed to walk on the carpet. You can only view it from a distance to prevent damage to the artwork.
What else can I do at the Flower Carpet Festival?
Apart from admiring the gorgeous Flower Carpet, visitors can enjoy live music and performances, food and drinks, and take part in other cultural events. The festival also features different floral arrangements, exhibitions, and tours of the city.
Where can I find more information about the Flower Carpet in Brussels?
You can find more information about the Flower Carpet in Brussels on the official website. You can also check travel websites, forums, and blogs or get in touch with your travel agent for more details.