Page 30 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

28  INTRODUCING BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS THROUGH THE YEAR

The temperate climate of Brussels is typical ancient abbeys lit by the setting sun to open-
of northern Europe. Mild damp winters and air cinemas take centre stage. Every other
gentle summers allow a range of activities August, high summer is marked by the
through the year to take place outside city’s colourful flower festival, with the
as well as in. Across the calendar, the city’s Grand Place literally carpeted in millions
strong artistic life is celebrated in historic of blooms. Throughout the year, festivals
buildings, grand public squares and modern in Brussels range from energetic, exuberant
stadiums alike. Theatre, dance and film start historic processions that have taken place
their sea son in January. As spring turns to yearly since medieval times, to innovative
summer, evening venues ranging from European experimental art.

Spring
Brussels’ lively cultural life
takes off as the crisp spring
days lengthen and visitors
begin to arrive in the city. Music
festivals take place in a wide
variety of open-air venues.
As the city’s parks burst into
bloom, the world-famous
tropical greenhouses at Laeken
are opened to the public.
Meanwhile, Brussels’ choco-
latiers produce delicious
creations for Easter.
March
Museum Night Fever (early
Mar). One night of exhibitions,
music, dance, performances and
DJs. Twenty museums take part. The Royal Glasshouse at Laeken, famed for its rare, exotic orchids
April The Royal Greenhouses at Kunsten FESTIVAL des Arts
BIFFF (Brussels International Laeken (late Apr to early (early to end May). This
Fantastic Film Festival) (early to May). The private green houses innovative theatre and dance
mid-Apr). Two weeks of thrills, of the Belgian Royal family festival provides a platform for
shivers and off-the-wall films. are opened to the public as new talent to perform.
Over 150 cinemas open their their exotic plants and cacti Les Nuits Botaniques (mid–
doors for special festival start to flower. Breathtaking May). Held in the former green-
screenings and a series of film- 19th-century glass and wrought houses of the botanical gardens,
based discussions are held ironwork shelters hundreds of now the French cultural centre,
throughout the festival. rare species (see pp90–91). this series of musical events is
Brussels Short Film Festival Flanders Festival (mid-Apr a delight.
(third week end). Cinephiles will to Oct). A celebration of all Queen Elisabeth Music Contest
love this festival showing short things musical, this classical (all month). Classical fans flock
movies from around the globe. medley offers more than to the prestigious musical
Art Brussels (third week). A large 120 performances by inter- competition, now in its fifth
scale contemporary art fair that nationally renowned choirs
brings together artists and and orchestras.
dealers from across the globe at
the trendy Tours & Taxis site, to May
the north of the city centre. Europe Day Festivities
Sablon Baroque Spring (7–9 May). As the capital of
(third week). The Place du Grand Europe, Brussels celebrates its
Sablon hosts new classical role in the European Union –
ensembles in a gathering even Manneken Pis is dressed as
of young Belgian talent a Euro-supporter, in a suit of blue, Participants in the Brussels
performing 17th-century music. decorated with yellow stars. Twenty-Kilometre Race

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