Every two years in Brussels, visitors are privy to a magnificent sight: an enormous flower carpet is installed in the Grand Place, the landmark square in the center of the city. The best view is from the balcony at the City Hall, open to visitors. This year’s carpet had a special theme; it marked the 50th anniversary of Turkish workers’ migration to the Belgian capital. (It was in 1964 when Turkey and Belgium signed an agreement for a guest worker program, and today 230,000 Turkish citizens live in the Belgian capital.)
A team of 100 workers utilized 750,000 begonia flowers in assembling the carpet, which measured 82 feet wide and 250 feet long, and resembled a Turkish kilim rug. It was on display last weekend (August 14-17, 2014). See Smithsonian’s site for a lovely compilation of Instagram shots. You’ll have to wait another two years to see the next flower carpet, so mark your calendars.
Traveling to Brussels? See our guide, 24 hours in Brussels, for insider tips. For additional information, check out www.visitflanders.us