Published on 23/12/2024 16:32
Updated on 23/12/2024 16:32
Reading time: 1min – video: 2min
Belgium: in Brussels, Manneken-Pis is revealed in all its guises
Belgium: in Brussels, Manneken-Pis is revealed in all its guises
(France 2)
In the Belgian capital, the famous statue is dressed up a hundred times a year. She even has her own wardrobe with hundreds of outfits with varied inspirations.
A few steps from the Grand-Place, at the time when the children are getting dressed, the famous Manneken-Pis is doing almost the same thing. Her outfits are never chosen at random. Today's celebration celebrates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Nicolas Edelman has held the role of official dresser for almost 10 years: “It’s a source of great pride because it is the symbol of Brussels and one of the symbols of Belgium”. Often represented in its simplest form, the Manneken-Pis is dressed a hundred times a year. Something to surprise tourists.
The tradition dates back to the 17th century, with more than 1,100 outfits under the belt. Inspiration comes from all over the world. With cultural references, such as the Saint-Tropez gendarme, Obélix or the Parisian titi. Embassies, associations and brotherhoods, all are fighting to adorn the emblem of Brussels. Manneken-Pis even has its own seamstress for its custom-made clothes. In her workshop, Sophie Wéry spends on average between 20 and 30 hours per outfit. His latest creation: the Zorro costume. And his dream: to disguise Manneken-Pis as the Little Prince.
Watch the full report in the video above.
