Discover How the 800k Begonia Carpet Transformed Brussels into a Blooming Paradise
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is known for its stunning architecture, delicious chocolate, and mouth-watering waffles. However, from mid-August to mid-October every year, the city turns into a vibrant and colorful paradise, thanks to the begonia carpet. The begonia carpet is a tapestry of around 800,000 begonia flowers arranged in intricate patterns in Brussels’ Grand Place square.
Section 1: The Origin of the Begonia Carpet
The begonia carpet has been a tradition in Brussels since 1971 when the practice of creating intricate flower carpets started. The first begonia carpet was created in honor of the Belgian dynasty’s silver wedding anniversary. Since then, the tradition has continued, with the begonia carpet design changing every year to honor different themes, anniversaries, and countries.
This year, the begonia carpet theme is “the power of flowers,” and it features colorful patterns inspired by French impressionists, Van Gogh, and Yayoi Kusama’s avant-garde dots.
Section 2: How is the Begonia Carpet Made?
Making the begonia carpet is a laborious process that takes place over four days. The organizers first design the carpet on a piece of paper, and then the design is transferred to the ground in the Grand Place square. The begonia flowers, which come from a town near Brussels called Ghent, are ordered months in advance and delivered one week before the carpet creation.
The begonia flowers are cut, cleaned, and carefully arranged in intricate patterns on the ground. The whole process needs coordination, imagination, and a lot of teamwork to make the begonia carpet a success.
Section 3: Why Begonia Flowers?
Begonias, native to South and Central America, are chosen due to their resilience and festive colors. Begonias are hardy and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for public displays. Moreover, begonias come in a variety of colors, ranging from red, pink, yellow, white, and orange, making them perfect for creating intricate flower carpets.
Section 4: How Popular is the Begonia Carpet?
The begonia carpet is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brussels, attracting thousands of visitors each year. People come from all over the world to witness the creation and beauty of the begonia carpet. In 2019, the begonia carpet attracted over 500,000 visitors to Brussels and generated an estimated revenue of 29 million Euros.
Section 5: The Symbolism of the Begonia Carpet
The begonia carpet is more than just a beautiful display of flowers; it has deep-rooted symbolism and meaning. The begonia carpet represents different things for different people, but to the Belgians, it symbolizes the country’s unity, creativity, and craftsmanship spirit. Additionally, the begonia carpet represents the coming together of different communities in Brussels, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Section 6: The Begonia Carpet’s Impact on the Environment
The creation of the begonia carpet has a minimal impact on the environment. The organizers use a water-soluble glue to hold the flowers together and line the ground with hessian fabric to protect it from damage. Moreover, after the begonia carpet’s display period, the flowers are collected, composted, and turned into fertilizer for the gardens in Brussels.
Section 7: The Begonia Carpet and Social Media
Social media has played a significant role in promoting the begonia carpet. People from all over the world share their pictures, videos, and experience of the begonia carpet on various social media platforms, thereby increasing the event’s global reach and visibility.
Section 8: The Begonia Carpet and Local Businesses
The begonia carpet has a positive impact on the local businesses in Brussels. The influx of tourists during the begonia carpet’s display period provides opportunities for restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels to generate significant revenue. Moreover, the begonia carpet also promotes the local flower industry by showcasing the beauty and versatility of begonia flowers.
Section 9: FAQs
Q1: When is the begonia carpet displayed?
A1: The begonia carpet is displayed from mid-August to mid-October every year.
Q2: How many begonia flowers are used in the begonia carpet?
A2: Approximately 800,000 begonia flowers are used in the begonia carpet.
Q3: How are the begonia flowers arranged?
A3: The begonia flowers are arranged in intricate patterns on the Grand Place square ground.
Q4: What is the symbolism of the begonia carpet?
A4: The begonia carpet symbolizes unity, creativity, and the coming together of different communities in Brussels.
Q5: How does the begonia carpet impact the environment?
A5: The begonia carpet has minimal impact on the environment and promotes sustainable practices.
Section 10: Conclusion
The begonia carpet has become an integral part of Brussels’ identity, attracting visitors from all over the world annually. Its beauty, symbolism, and cultural significance make it a unique event that showcases the essence of Brussels. The begonia carpet is more than just a display of flowers; it represents the country’s unity, creativity, and craftsmanship spirit. It is an event that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and sustainable practices. Don’t miss an opportunity to witness the magic of the begonia carpet on your next visit to Brussels.