Brussels in bloom until 25 August

The inner city centre of Brussels is now awash with colourful plant displays, which along with the Grand Place flower carpet, transform the capital into a floral destination.

As an urban trail, the ‘Shops in Bloom’ initiative includes 17 creations by floral artists on the theme of ‘imaginary creatures’, reports RTBF.

The fourth edition of the walk starts in the courtyard of the city hall and wends its way through the cobbled streets of Rue des Brasseurs, Rue de l'Étuve, Place Saint-Jean and the Îlot Sacré.

In addition, some 100 shop windows are decorated by Brussels florist Do Flowers, while "a floral bar offer discount vouchers in the form of flowers," said city alderman for economic affairs Benhur Ergen.

Once again, the Manneken Pis has donned a floral costume, which is on show until 15 August.

Flower carpet opens on Thursday

The route ends in the Grand Place, which is the setting for the much anticipated biennial flower carpet from 15 to 18 August. It officially opens on Thursday at 22.00 with a sound and light show that is also staged from Friday to Sunday, every 30 minutes between 21.00 and 23.00.

The impressive display is "the fruit of a collaboration between artists, horticulturists and volunteers from all over Belgium," explained alderwoman for culture and president of the Brussels Flower Carpet nonprofit, Delphine Houba.

For the 2024 edition, the composition ‘Rhizome’ is the work of Liège street artist Océane Cornille. The design pays tribute to the "diversity and vitality" of the city, in a style inspired by Art Nouveau, according to the artist.

This year, 585,000 dahlias from the Campine region will form the bulk of the 1,600m² motif of the carpet.

It can be admired for free in the Grand Place, from the balcony of the city hall (presale tickets €7) or in special tours (presale tickets €8).

The floral tradition is a popular tourist attraction that dates from 1971.