For 8 years now, the « Zinneke Parade » has been an official part of Brussels’ folklore. Every two years, this colorful parade cheerfully passes through the streets of Brussels. People from different districts, youth centers, communities, resident associations join together to create a fantastic event which requires two years to plan, draw, sew, design, reherse etc.
The word « Zinneke » comes from a branch of the Senne River going round Brussels. Scoundrels would go there and drown half-breed dogs. Today, Zinneke is a common word used in Brussels to describe a half-breed dog and Brussels inhabitant’s peculiarity alltogether, many of them beeing « bastards », a blend of origins and cultures from all over the world.
Do you feel « Zinneke » ? In your opinion, what does it stand for ?
If Brussels was a color, what would it be?
Would it be yellow?
Like the iris flower on the Brussels Capital Region flag or like tramways and busses used to be.
Would it be green?
Like the many forests and parks you can find around the city, like the chestnut tree leaves along streets, avenues and boulevards during summer.
Would it be grey?
Like the weather, the clouds, the pavement, facades, concrete, trams, busses and metro trains?
Would it be a mix?
Representing the multicultural richness of the city?
What color would you give to it?
What do the cemetery of Dieweg and paths along railroads have in common? That’s right: places where nature can go its own way. Along railroads you can often see dramatic green wilderness and since the Dieweg cemetery closed its doors in 1958, nature went its way here as well, leaving it as what you might consider the perfect place to shoot a horror movie.
Those green places are contrasting with the organized city grey, but wouldn’t it be better if nature conquered the city? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the Philips tower along the Anspach Boulevard covered with ivy? Or to see an urban forest appear on top of Parking 58?
What is your favorite green spot in Brussels? Do you like the adventure of railroads or do you prefer to go for a picnic at the Bois de la Cambre? Are you looking for a rare butterfly or just a romantic space?
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