Though there are countless reasons to visit the Belgian capital this summer, this may just be the coolest one of all: From August 12-15, a spectacular flower carpet, made up of 600,000 tuberous begonias, will cover La Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central square.
This will mark the 20th anniversary of the biennial Flower Carpet event, which kicked off in 1971. This year’s carpet will be inspired by Japan, to celebrate Belgium’s 150 years of the diplomatic relations with the country. (In 2014, the carpet resembled a Turkish kilim tapestry to pay tribute to the estimated 220,000 Turks who began coming to Brussels 50 years ago under an immigration pact). The carpet’s design itself won’t be revealed until August 12, but organizers say it will showcase “Japanese representations of flowers, birds, and the beauty of nature.”
The carpet itself will be created and assembled straight on the pavements by hand, by more than 100 local horticulturalists, gardeners, and craftspeople. Organizers estimate it will take just under four hours to assemble the 250-foot-long carpet, which will span the entire length of the plaza.
In addition to the carpet, there will be a live concert with fireworks on opening night starting from 10 p.m. The entertainment doesn’t end there, either: every following evening starting at 10:30 p.m., visitors will be treated to a half-hour light and music show surrounding the carpet. (We told you Brussels knew how to party).
Planning to check it out? Make sure to come early as tickets (€5 or $5.50 per person, free admission for kids under 10) can only be purchased on location, on the day itself. Better yet, book a package with the event’s official hotel partner, Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel: you’ll get VIP tickets to the show, a specially-curated weekend itinerary, and a special gift—plus you’ll be steps from the carpet.