September is so interesting in Brussels, my favourite international city. Although Brussels remains occupied with various activities almost round the year, but September is when it hosts some of its most famous events. Events which truly reflect the essence of Brussels, enjoying things Brussels is truly famous for- its art, its comics, and classic wines as well as food. Its one of the best times to be here.
Contemporary art makes a comeback
From September, contemporary art will take centre stage on Brussels’ cultural scene. From the unmissable Brussels Gallery Weekend to the Chiharu Shiota exhibition at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Accessible Art fair, the shows and exhibitions honour artists from all walks of life. Brussels is a real hub of contemporary art and a breeding ground for creativity. International artists are enchanted by its numerous unique spaces dedicated to art. Collectors from all over the world regularly gather in the European capital to find that stand-out work of art.
There are many contributors boosting the influence of the increasingly interdisciplinary artistic scene: WIELS, BOZAR, MIMA, the Centrale For Contemporary Art, La Loge, the Boghossian Foundation – Villa Empain, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, as well as the countless art centres, galleries, artists’ collectives and more. Brussels shares its passion for art both here and elsewhere.
Good food! Good Wine!!
Between 5 and 8 September 2019, the eat! BRUSSELS, drink! BORDEAUX festival will bring together pleasure-seekers at the palace in the Parc de Bruxelles. From meeting the capital’s top chefs to discovering the best shrimp croquette, not to mention the Bordeaux Wine School workshops and mixology masterclasses, chefs, winegrowers and mixologists will create a marvellous spread to offer visitors the warm welcome they deserve.
For its eighth edition, the eat! BRUSSELS, drink! BORDEAUX festival has once again invited some of the best chefs in Brussels to the lush, green setting of the Parc de Bruxelles. Oenophiles will also be given the opportunity to discover Bordeaux wines in all their glory, thanks to the various workshops on offer from the Bordeaux Wine School. All you need for a well-earned break, gourmet style.
31 top chefs: New famous Brussels chefs are joining in the fun, meaning that there will be even more for you to enjoy at the festival. They will be serving up a signature dish for visitors which sums up their culinary identity.
The perfect fit: Bordeaux Wines, who are the key partners for this festival, have once again joined on this culinary adventure. For the occasion, some fifty Bordeaux winegrowers and wine merchants will meet in Brussels to share their passion and reveal the secrets and new trends when it comes to their wine.
The Bordeaux Wine-School Pavilion will put on unmissable events for wine and food lovers, giving you a simple overview to stop you confusing your Merlots with your Cabernet Sauvignons, help you match food with wine or even, quite simply, enable you to describe the flavours. These original and fun experiences on offer will take beginners, enthusiasts, amateurs and those interested on an incredible journey of discovery right into the heart of Bordeaux’s vineyards from the very centre of Brussels. Another new feature this year, the competition to find Brussels’ best shrimp croquette comes to the eat! BRUSSELS, drink! BORDEAUX festival. The spotlight will be thrown on this classic staple of Belgium’s culinary heritage on Saturday 7 September from 12:00 as part of a new addition to the festival’s rich programme.
The colourful return of comics
This year’s Comic Strip Festival will once again be an electrifying event for comic fans in Brussels. As part of the event, the Balloon’s Day Parade will bring the streets of the capital to life and will include a new Toto balloon. The International Pavilion will take you on a journey through comics and beyond. Since it was founded in 2010, the Comic Strip Festival has evolved into an unmissable event for all comic fans. Whether you’re old, young, an enthusiast or a comics expert, everyone has the same passion and comes together each year to get an autograph or enjoy the many activities on offer.
As there are no borders for comics, the International Pavilion will be showcasing gems from far-flung corners of the world to the most adventurous visitors. While Belgium is particularly proud of its comics heritage, many other countries have an impressive track record too. Many foreign cultural representations from these countries are on display in the International Pavilion, giving visitors the opportunity to discover their works and enjoy a wonderful cultural exchange. And, as is traditional, on Sunday 15 September, the Balloon’s Day Parade will take over the streets of the capital and take you on a journey into the world of famous comic characters. You won’t be able to escape it by the middle of the afternoon.
Balloon’s Day Parade
On Sunday 15 September, the Balloon’s Day Parade will process through the streets of Brussels for nearly three hours. As part of this year’s parade, a new balloon featuring the design of Toto and the famous Citroën 2CV belonging to Boule’s parents will have the great honour of being part of the procession. From 10 am, the amazing spectacle of the balloons being inflated on Place des Palais will begin. During the afternoon, the balloons will be inflated on Place des Palais and will depart from there. Spirou, Tintin, the Cat, the Smurf, Boule, Blurk, Gaston and their new friend will set off on their route along the main streets of Brussels. Delights await comic fans in Brussels Park, where they will be able to enjoy many special events being put on for the Comic Strip Festival there.
Have you ever been part of any of these festivals in Brussels? How was the experience? Share with us in the comment section below.
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