Brussels in Bloom adds floral touches to city

Brussels was awash with blooming flowers on Sunday as the floral showcase "Brussels in Bloom" took over the city.

The event is replacing "The Flower Carpet," where a tapestry of begonias are woven together across Brussels' Grand-Place every two years in time for Assumption Day.

But due to COVID-19 "The Flower Carpet" was moved to August 2022 and "Brussels in Bloom" was organized instead.

The events sees different parts of the city decorated in flower sculptures for visitors and locals to enjoy.

Pieter Toebaert, who is involved in staging the event, expressed the purpose is to "show that there is color, there's life in the city and we also want to show that in fact nature is taking over a little bit."

Even Brussels' well-loved statue "Manneken Pis" (Little Pissing Man) was decorated for the occasion in armor and a helmet while carrying a sword.

Some of the pieces were created for direct involvement with the public, like Micheline Vansintjan's floral photo booth - where people can take their picture "in the most beautiful city of the world," the artist said.

"Brussels in Bloom" is taking place from August 15 to September 5.