The Flower Carpet is a biennial occasion in Brussels in which volunteers from around Belgium convene at the Grand Place, the notable focal point of the city, to weave a floor covering like woven artwork out of colorful begonias. The occasion happens each other August, organizing with Assumption Day. Nearly a million blooms are required to make the fleeting 1,800 square meters (19,000 square feet) cover.
Let’s look at the history of this event.
First Flower Carpet :
It was started in 1971 by the
Landscape architect E. Stautemans.
The year 1986 was the turning point in the holding of this event, which until then had not been regular. The Tapis de Fleurs de BruxellesAssociation was then created at the initiative of the City of Brussels in cooperation with the Province de Brabant and Les Franc-Bourgeois(a central Brussels traders’ association).
The new association laid down the regulations; the event was to be held every two years, for 3 to 4 days on the weekend of 15th August and could be enhanced by sound and lighting, fireworks, a jazz concert and other traditional folk entertainments. The tapestry always exhibits begonias, one of Belgium’s major exports since 1860.
With unique theme
Each year of the Flower Carpet, organisers select a theme for inspiration.
In 2018, the carpet featured cultural elements from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Including symbolism from the Chupícuaro, Otomí and Purépechacultures. In addition to the begonias, the carpet included dahlias, the national flower of Mexico.
In 2016, the carpet displayed a Japanese design to celebrate 150 years of friendship between Belgium and Japan.
In 2014, the city of Brussels paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of Turkish immigrants[3] by imitating the world-famous kilims. Turks came to Belgium in 1964 when both countries signed a bilateral treaty welcoming immigrants during the economic boom.
In 2012, the carpet exhibited the colours of Africa, inspired by traditional fabrics and tribal costumes.
In 2010, the designers of the tapestry honored Belgian Herman Van Rompuy, the first president of the European Union, with images of historic Belgian symbols alongside the European Union logo.
In 2008, the patterns were inspired by 18th-Century French designs and colours.
Flowers of Belgium :
The Common Red Poppy is the national flower of Belgium. Growing in fields and waste places, these beautiful flowers are mildly analgesic and sedative, and have long been used in European herbal medicine, particularly for ailments in children and the elderly. Used chiefly as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for irritable coughs, Red Poppy also reduces nervous over activity.
Other Native and Famous Flowers of Belgium
Having mild and humid climate, horticulture is the highest value sector for Belgian Agriculture with the turn over of $1.6 billion whereas flower and potted plant industry valued $240 millionannually. Being the world’s largest producer of Azaleas and Bagonia, Belgium also grows the flowers like, Roses, Flowers Grown from Bulbs, Chrysanthemums, Freesias, Gerberas, Bluebells, Clivia and Delhaize.
Lilies, Colorful Roses, Sunflowers, Orchids, Gerberas, Chrysanthemums and Daisy are some of the flowers which are passionately liked by Belgians for the gift purposes on various occasions.
The list is not complete without Lettuce ?
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