The Flower Carpet is a biennial event in Brussels in which volunteers from around Belgium convene at the Grand Place, the historic centre of the city, to weave a carpet-like tapestry out of colorful begonias. The event takes place every other August, coordinating with Assumption Day. Nearly a million flowers are required to create the ephemeral 1,800 square metres (19,000 square feet) carpet.

Themes

Each year of the Flower Carpet, organisers select a theme for inspiration.

• In 2008, the patterns were inspired by 18th-Century French designs and colours.
• In 2010, the designers of the tapestry honored Belgian Herman Van Rompuy, the first president of the European Union, with images of historic Belgian symbols alongside the European Union logo.
• In 2012, the carpet exhibited the colours of Africa, inspired by traditional fabrics and tribal costumes.
• In 2014, the city of Brussels paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of Turkish immigrants by imitating the world-famous kilims. Turks came to Belgium in 1964 when both countries signed a bilateral treaty welcoming immigrants during the economic boom.
• In 2016, the carpet displayed a Japanese design to celebrate 150 years of friendship between Belgium and Japan.
• In 2018, the carpet featured cultural elements from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Including symbolism from the Chupícuaro, Otomí and Purépecha cultures. In addition to the begonias, the carpet included dahlias, the national flower of Mexico.

The Flower Carpet takes place in the center of Brussels, on the Grand-Place. This place is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle or car.