Wine lovers are delighted. Connoisseurs of fine wines are ready as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles returns to its native city to celebrate its 20th anniversary, starting today. The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles makes an emotional return to Brussels, the city that saw its inception. In just twenty years, it has become the largest touring European wine tasting competition. Everything is now ready to welcome the prodigal child and bestow the title of Global Wine Capital on Brussels for three intense days of tastings. We will have a grand winner in next ten days. In all, 8,060 wines from 58 producer countries will compete on May 2, 3 and 4, 2014 in the European capital. France remains the leading participating country with 2,428 entries, followed by Spain (1,615 entries), Italy (1,163),
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Brussels has an extremely rich green heritage: Brussels Park, the Botanical Garden, Leopold Park, the Bois de la Cambre, the Mont des Arts… A lot need to be told about them. . It is with the aim of rediscovering these hidden treasures that the Year of Flora will take place until March 2015. Exhibitions, visits, walks, conferences, there will be something for all tastes and ages. Birth of Belgian horticulture precedes that of Belgium itself. In fact, its origins can be traced back to at least the 17th century. In Brussels the official creation of the Brotherhood of Saint Dorothy, patron saint of gardeners and florists, dates from 1664. Following Belgium’s independence under the reign of Leopold I from 1831 to 1865, Brussels became one of the capitals of European horticulture and riva
Read MoreBrussels has become an essential part of the European gastronomic scene. With its 19 starred restaurants, Brussels has now more stars than Berlin, Rome or Milan. And this shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how closely gastronomy is tied to Brussels’ roots. The 2014 Michelin Guide says it all. Dinner in the Sky is definitely at the top of the list of the most surrealistic gastronomic concepts. Seven years on and not only has Dinner in the Sky acquired worldwide fame, it has also earned a solid reputation among starred chefs. Some of the most celebrated chefs such as Frédéric Anton, Alain Passard, Bjorn Franzen and Dani Garcia have actually worked in its kitchen, as well as future talents, as was recently highlighted on the Top Chef programme. Although born and bred in Brussels,
Read MoreCulinaria is back. A gastronomical event is not to be missed After 5 successful editions, Culinaria, supported by the Brussels Capital Region, has become an internationally acclaimed event, serving haute cuisine from around the world. A true smorgasbord in the heart of Europe, Culinaria offers a unique taste of Belgian culinary talents. Each year, Culinaria has a main theme, and the cutting-edge gastronomical trends attract large crowds. The theme for 2014 is the Original Feast. For its sixth anniversary, Culinaria will return to the essence of gastronomical delights, and revitalise this edition in a retro-libertarian, cheerful, and mischievous way. A few laughs at a grand banquet, do justice to delicious ingredients in steaming hot dishes, and an authentic, communal banquet that is...
Read MoreCavalia, an innovative multi-media and multi-disciplinary production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, returns to Belgium this spring. The show featuring more horses, more artists, new projections, new acts and new stunning costumes premieres May 13, 2014, under its signature White Big Top at Brussels Expo. “Seven Springs have passed since Cavalia erected its White Big Top in Brussels twice in the same year due to strong demands from audiences across Belgium, and we have been eager to return,” said Normand Latourelle, president and artistic director of Cavalia. “Since our last visits in 2007, the show has travelled across North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle Est and is continually evolving to highlight the strengths and personali
Read MoreThis year, the Flower Carpet will once again light up the Grand-Place in Brussels, capital of Belgium and the European Union. Intricately and gracefully sewn together, made up of the most colourful begonias, the carpet will be rolled out on the 15th, 16th and 17th of August 2014. Admirers will have the chance to take it all in from above. Practical information: tours will take place from 9 in the morning to 11 at night; a panoramic view from the balcony of the City Hall. Every evening, at 10, 10.30 and 11 o'clock, spectators will witness a splendid sound and light show, set up especially for the occasion. Pack your bags! This time, the carpet will be taking you to mysterious faraway lands. We shall say no more for a few weeks yet... but rest assured, it will be enchanting. By tra
Read MoreOver the weekend of 29 and 30 March, several municipalities, quarters and hotels of the Brussels-Capital Region will be flinging their doors wide open to WELCOME BRUSSELS, a scheme set up by the Brussels-Capital Region, in association with VISITBRUSSELS, Brussels Hotels Association (BHA), Brussels Airlines, Bed & Brussels and Windbag Communication. Especially for the occasion, Brussels Airlines offers a 20% discount on flights to Brussels. Brussels hotels, under the crook of the Brussels Hotels Association (BHA), will also participate by offering to all their rooms at friendly rates. It is a golden opportunity to introduce family and friends to the authentic flavours of our region. “The Welcome Brussels weekend calls for celebration in no less than thirty quarters spread across the
Read MoreThis year the Floralia Brussels exhibition is already celebrating its 11th anniversary. From Friday 4 April to Thursday 8 May 2014, the general public will be able to visit the new flower show located in the gardens and greenhouses of the Grand-Bigard Chateau. A visit to the park itself – designed by landscape architect Louis Fuchs at the beginning of the 20th century – is the ideal way to discover the beauty of this 14 hectare site, so much admired by flower lovers from Belgium and abroad. As is the case each year, more than one million bulbs have been planted by the Chateau’s team of gardeners. These include 400 varieties of tulips, hyacinths, narcissi and other spring-flowering bulbs. These master craftsmen have also created a wild flower carpet (blue and yellow grape hyacinths), a g
Read MoreAfter Tintin it is now turn of the Smurfs. From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January, the Smurfs will be joining the ice sculpture fun of Brussels Ice Magic for a special weekend that promises to be packed with surprises. Totally dedicated to the world of cartoons, the festival will be inviting a very special guest for the occasion: Smurfette! Plus, for the whole weekend, all visitors who come to the ticket office with a Smurf album will be offered a €2 discount on their ticket. What’s more, real fans of the little blue imps who come dressed up as one of Peyo’s characters will be able to get in to the ice sculpture festival for free. Just this once, even “Gargamel” will be welcome! Plenty of smurfy activities are lined up! Have you always wanted to meet Smurfette? Then save th...
Read MoreDay is coming closer for all the chocolate lovers. Belgium, a country of traditions, has always been the very essence of one of the great homelands of chocolate on the world stage. At a global level, Belgium is still the second highest consuming country for chocolate – 10 kg per person per year. From time immemorial chocolate has represented a remarkable love story so dear to our Low Country. To honor the tradition, along with Belgian creativity and talent, the Salon du Chocolat will take place – and this is a first! – at Tour & taxis (Shed 1) from February 7 to 9 2014, right in the heart of the European capital. Brussels is therefore very proud to be hosting the first “Salon du Chocolat” to be held on Belgian soil. A wonderful occasion for bringing together and displaying in one p...
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