The annual Brussels Flower Carpet returns to the Grand’Place in August. The famous Carpet of Flowers covers almost 2,000 m2 right in the centre of the Grand’Place. This year’s carpet theme is a celebration of Belgium’s presidency of the European Union.

The 2010 Flower Carpet is designed by 23 year old Belgian designer, Antione Durieux. Credit should be given to the flower growers from Ghent who specialize in growing the begonias for the different carpet design each year. Apart from the wide range of vivid and glowing colors these robust flowers are also able to withstand the hot sun. As proof of that, watch the craftsmen assemble them directly on the cobble-stones of the square without a layer of soil.

© Brussels International

If you’re in Brussels between August 13 – 15, 2010, don’t miss this spectacular  Flower Carpet in the Grand’Place.

The colored plant tapestry can be viewed best from the balcony of Hotel de Ville, which is open to the public from 9 am to 11 pm.  Admission is € 3 and children under 12 enter for free.

Every evening at 10.00 pm, 10.30 pm and 11.00 pm a celebration of lights and music will fill the Grand-Place.

Event:   Brussels Flower Carpet
Dates :  August 13, 14 and 15
Place:  Grand’Place

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Almost everyone knows about Munich’s Oktoberfest, the king of all beer festivals, however not a lot is publicised about the beer festivals in Belgium.  Yet Belgium has a tradition of beer making and produces some world famous brands.  Looking at the 2008 calendar of events, there’s a major event or festival almost every month of the year:

The 2008 Zythos Beer Festival
March 1 – 2, 2008:  This great beer festival takes place in Sint Niklaas in eastern Flanders. There are approximately 150 beers from the 48 breweries featured. There is no entry fee and no pre booking is required.

Beer Festival of Bouillon
From April 21 – 22, 2008:  Bouillon shopkeepers display all beer products, including local producers of specialty beers.  There are tasting sessions.
 
Beer Festival of Mons
From May 2 – 4, 2008: This is an annual event where the Party Service and tradesmen of the Grand Place organize a weekend dedicated to beer. Numerous stalls allow visitors to taste traditional beers and the big brands that made Belgium famous as the World Center of Beer.
 
Belgian Beer Festival / Beer Collectors’ and Exchange Market
May 18, 2008:  This beer event takes place  in the town of Lustin and you will see displays of beer glasses, bottles, labels, coasters, old ads, clocks, mirrors, pints, jugs and other collector’s items. You can try or buy more than 850 varieties of beer, including meals cooked with beer.
 
Gambrinus Beer Truck Festival
From July 5 – 6, 2008: This unique event which celebrates brewery trucks and drivers takes place in Philippeville. The name Gambrinus owes its origin to the Duke of Brabant, Jan Primus, who was known as “the King of Beer” and “King of the Road”. This museum is in former maltings-brewery-farm buildings of the 19th century and its contains some 20 vehicles and 75 themed displays.
 
Meeting of the Breweries in Belgian Luxembourg
July 13, 2008:  The breweries of the province of Luxemburg gather in one location for beer tastings, explanation of different brewing methods, music, raffle for a basket with regional products, and street animations.
 
Arch’en Biers
From August 16 – 17, 2008:   The aim of this festival is to acquaint people with lesser-known beers in Walloon Brabant. Each year, the organizers endeavour to present new products to visitors and there will be numerous samplings throughout the weekend.
 
Brussels Beer Weekend
From September 5 – 7, 2008:   Brussels’ Grand Place hosts a multitude of stands offering the opportunity to discover some of our best Belgian beers. Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian breweries will present their best selections of beers. Entrance is free and beer prices are very reasonable! Entertainment such as jazz bands, brass bands, activities for children will accompany your beer tasting. 
 
Bruxellensis Festival
From September 6 – 7, 2008: The Bruxellensis festival in Saint-Gilles presents authentic beers.  You’ll find various Belgian breweries which buck the predominant trend and do not brew beers that are far too sweet and fruity.
 
Hop Festival in Val de Sambre
From September 12 – 14, 2008:  Great hops festivity  with amazing entertainments throughout the weekend including music, guided tours of the brewery, hot-air balloon rides, and craft exhibitions.
 
Brassigaume – The International Festival of Small Breweries
From October 18 – 19, 2008:  This takes place in Rulles where you can visit different stands and meet 22 Master-Brewers and taste their products consisting of more than 80 different beers. On the agenda: music, reading with beer historian Mr. Philippe Voluer, and local cuisine made from Belgian beer.

So, if you love a good brew, Belgium may a good stop for your next holiday itinerary.

Helen

Travel Signposts Blog