Japanese theme for Brussels' 20th Flower Carpet

The biannual tradition of covering the Grand Place in Brussels with a carpet of flowers is approaching its 20th edition this year in August. The theme will be devoted to the relationship between Japan and Belgium, announced mayor Yvan Mayeur and the Japanese ambassador Masafumi Ishii during a presentation of the design on Tuesday in Brussels City Hall.

From 12 to 15 August, an area of 1800m2 on the Grand Place will be covered with 600,000 begonias arranged to fit into a design inspired by various aspects of Japanese culture. The design is the work of Belgian graphic designer Mark Schautteet and the young Japanese designer Fujie Suzuki.

"The 2016 Flower Carpet is an ode to nature in the Japanese tradition with numerous talismans, or good-luck charms, including flowers, birds, the wind, koi fish, conifers, bamboos and cherry blossoms,” said the ambassador.

The 20th edition of the Flower Carpet will be officially inaugurated on 12 August at 21.30 with a sound- and light show before opening to the public for three days.

photo: Francisco Conde Sánchez / Wikipedia