Brussels is preparing to welcome one of Europe’s most spectacular floral events as the renowned Flower Carpet returns to the city’s Grand-Place from 13 to 16 August 2026. This year’s edition will honour Japan, marking 160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan with a stunning floral interpretation of Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic artwork, The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
The biennial event will transform the UNESCO-listed square into a vast work of ephemeral art spanning approximately 1,300 square metres. Japanese contemporary artist Hiro Sugiyama and his artistic collective Enlightenment have designed the installation, blending traditional Japanese culture with modern artistic influences. More than 500,000 dahlias will be used to recreate the famous wave in vibrant floral form.
Organisers say the design aims to connect past and future while celebrating the shared appreciation of beauty, craftsmanship and nature found in both Belgian and Japanese cultures. The project follows a successful Japanese-themed Flower Carpet in 2016, which commemorated 150 years of friendship between the two nations.
For the first time, a second floral carpet will also be installed at Brussels’ Stock Exchange, celebrating Belgium’s brewing heritage through a hops-inspired design. Evening sound-and-light shows will further enhance the experience, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
Read more at TravelTomorrow.
