You might think that going to see a “floral” carpet would be pretty boring. However strange, the floral carpet, as well as a peeing boy statue, are rated among Brussel’s top tourist attractions. And let me tell you when you feast your eyes on the thing, and really I mean the whole entire thing, you quickly realize how much love goes into the production of the carpet and into the celebratory event itself.
The Making Of The Floral Carpet In Brussels Belgium
Every two years, the city of Brussels puts on a show like no other, when they roll out a gigantic carpet of flowers measuring 1,800 square meters in size. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world.
In 2012 (when these photos were taken), a mind-boggling 600,000 begonias were used to build the carpet of flowers paying tribute to the African nations of Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria, Botswana, and Cameroon. Even more unfathomable is knowing that it can take up to one year to plan a single carpet but that it only takes a team of 100 gardeners four hours to string the whole thing together.
It’s not uncommon that more than 100,000 people came to view this tourist attraction at Grand Place and take part in a tradition celebrated since 1971. The floral carpet idea was originally developed by landscape architect E. Stautemans, who had a passion for begonias and oddly enough, developing floral carpets.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to see the floral carpet for myself, something I’d always dreamed of doing!
What do you think of the floral carpet in Brussels Belgium? Have you been to this most fabulous and beautiful event?
Location
Good To Know
1) Visit the floral carpet as early as possible during its brief exhibition, to see it at its freshest and finest. In fact, it’s best to visit on the opening night when a special presentation is held.
2) Otherwise, tour the town hall at Grand Place to get a panoramic view of the carpet (admission is approximately €5).
3) And don’t forget to stop by at night to view the flowers and the surroundings in a way more romantic light.
4) To find out exactly when the next floral carpet will be revealed, check the city’s website: http://www.flowercarpet.brussels/en
5) If you need somewhere to stay while in Brussels, look at your options with booking.com.
Booking.com6) Make your time in Brussels really fun and go on a guided tour.
7) If you like unusual places and things, check out some of my other posts.
- Get Mooned By Den Deugniet In Antwerp – While visiting Antwerp, check out the comical Den Deugniet, a statue of a young boy pulling down his pants in a forever full moon pose.
- The MBAD African Bead Museum In Detroit Michigan – MBAD African Bead Museum Detroit celebrates African culture and heritage through its museum and massive outdoor art installation.
- Yes, There’s A Peeing “Bad Bad Boy” Statue In Helsinki – What is the Bad Bad Boy Statue Helsinki? Why is there a massive statue of a peeing boy there? Let us solve the mystery for you.
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*Disclosure – My weekend stay in Brussels was complimentary, courtesy of Belgien Tourismus. Any opinions expressed are entirely my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
This is so beautiful! I have only been to Antwerp and Bruges – have to get to Brussels sometime soon.
Wow, I didn’t know it was only every two years – I’ll have to time my visit right then 🙂
@Andrea – It’s quite the thing to behold! And Brussels is a great city. I quite liked my weekend there. 🙂
@A Montrealer Abroad – Brussels is waiting to welcome you in 2014. 🙂 🙂
omg i know how crowded the grote markt can be normally, so imagine how crowdy it must be now!! cool exhibition though!
This is amazing! Worth a visit for sure
@Jade & Brock – It was super hot and crowded! Really loved seeing the carpet though as it really makes for one beautiful setting. I only wish I had seen it at night.
That is truly amazing!
Well, it looks extremely time consuming, but definitely quite spectacular!
@Stephanie – I think so too. I mean you can only stare at it for so long but it’s definitely quite extraordinary. 🙂
@Dean – I think so too! 🙂
those shots are amazing, I’d love to be in Brussels during that time.
@Deb – Thank you so much! I’d always dreamed of seeing it too. Hope you make it there for the next one in two years. 🙂
Although I live in Belgium and just half an hour away from Brussels, I’ve actually never seen the carpet myself.
Shame on me!
Something to do next year…
Great pictures, by the way:)
@Sofie – Thank you so much! Hope you make it there to see for yourself.