St Patrick's Day 2021 Global Greening Belgium
Event
12 March 2021
Tourism Ireland's Global Greening initiative sees famous attractions and sites around the world go green to mark St Patrick’s Day. This year the Global Greening aims to bring positivity to the 70+ million people around the world with links to the island of Ireland. Tourism Ireland wants to shine a green light in as many locations around the world as possible, giving our Diaspora a sense of connection with home.
The Embassy of Ireland is proud to participate, with our Tourism Ireland colleagues, in the Global Greening initiative and we're looking forward to seeing Belgian icons and landmarks turn green, thanks to Belgian authorities, friends of Ireland and Irish in Belgium. The full Global Greening line-up is available here.
2021 Greenings in Belgium
Greening of the Smurf statue, Brussels
17/03/2021
The Smurfs were created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, who wrote under the pseudonym Peyo, and have long held the status of cultural icons in Belgium.
The Smurf Statue is located in front of the Museum of Original Figurines next to Horta Gallery at Brussels Central Station. The statue is almost 5 metres tall and weighs 10 tons.
We’re thrilled that this legendary Bruxellois has agreed to go green for a second year, as part of the Tourism Ireland Global Greening 2020, with thanks to Visit Brussels.
Dressing of the Manneken Pis, Brussels
17/03/2021 (09:00-18:00)
Located near the Grand Place, the Manneken-Pis is one of Europe’s most visited statues and was created in the 17th century. A Belgian national treasure, the Manneken-Pis can be seen dressed in traditional Irish clothing as part of Tourism Ireland's Global Greening on St Patrick's Day, with thanks to the Friends of the Manneken-Pis.
Greening of The Hotel, Brussels
17/03/2021
Towering high above the Brussels skyline and located in the heart of the fashion district just minutes from the historic Grand Place, The Hotel is an iconic building offering spectacular views of the city. This year, The Hotel will be illuminated green for the first time as part of Tourism Ireland's Global Greening.
Greening of BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels
17/03/2021
BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts Brussels is a cultural mecca and architectural masterpiece created by Victor Horta. Opened in 1928, this palace of the arts combines three concert halls, exhibition spaces, cinema and lecture rooms.
Located in the Mont des Arts, Belgium’s most visited cultural destination will be turning green on St Patrick's Day as part of the Global Greening.
Greening of the City Hall, Brussels
17/03/2021
On the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day, Brussels City Hall will once again be lit in green as part of Tourism Ireland's Global Greening.
This gothic building from the Middle Ages is located in the heart of the historical centre at Grand Place, a UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
The building is the jewel of Brussels' architectural heritage and is currently home to the Tourist Office. (More info)
Greening of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Brussels
17/03/2021
Designed and built by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer and opened in 1847, the beautifully glazed Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert includes boutiques, auditoriums, cafes and restaurants.
Located a stone's throw from the Grand Place, it was one of Europe's first shopping arcades (more details & location).
Greening of the Burg Square, Brugge/Bruges
17/03/2021
Featuring a variety of building from the Gothic, Renaissance and Neo-Classicist eras, the Burg Square in Bruges is a location steeped in history. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Bruges City Council has decided that City Hall and the Burg Square, one of Belgium's two Medieval squares, will turn green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening, in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland to the Kingdom of Belgium. (more here)
Greening of the Celtic Cross, Fontenoy
13/03/2021 - 18/03/2021
The Celtic Cross in Fontenoy was erected in 1907 to commemorate the famous Battle of Fontenoy in 1745.
The cross stands as a memorial to all the Irish who lost their lives in the battle. The Celtic Cross will be illuminated green from 13 March. (Location)
Greening of the Beffroi / Belfry, Mons
17/03/2021
Built between 1661 and 1672 by Louis Ledoux, le beffroi is an important landmark and a proud symbol of Mons identity. The Belfry will once again be illuminated as part of the 2020 Global Greening. Listed by UNESCO in 1999, it is the only baroque belfry still in existence.
This fabulous structure accommodates an interpretive centre enabling visitors to enjoy panoramic views. Members of the public can see the Belfry in Mons go green on St. Patrick’s Day. Learn more about Mons Belfry here.
Greening of the Lille Gate, Ieper / Ypres
11/03/2021 – 18/03/2021
The Lille Gate was the original southern gateway to Ieper and one of several entrances into the old fortified city. It was the only one to survive the bombardment of World War I and has been preserved thereafter. The Burgundian towers stand next to the bridge, the 14th century lock room and Gatekeeper's house. (Location)
Greening of the Provinciehuis Antwerpen
17/03/2021
The Provincial Government Building in Antwerp is an eye-catching addition to the Global Greening lineup. This 58 metre tall 14 story building with unique triangular windows only came into use in 2018 and achieves the feat of casting no shadows upon the adjacent buildings owing to the twist structure in its design. It will go green on St. Patrick's Day as part of the Global Greening. (Location)
Greening of the Bourse & Belfry, Namur
17/03/2021
The Namur Belfry or Tour de Saint-Jacques (Tower of St. James) dates back to 1388 and once served as part of the fortification of the old city. The Belfry became a UNESCO listed structure in 1999.
Situated in the heart of the Walloon capital, the Bourse or old stock exchange at Place d'Armes is the former seat of the Walloon Parliament.
We’re delighted to welcome these new sites to the Global Greening line-up.
Greening of the Lion's Mound & Wall of Memory, Braine l'Alleud
17/03/2021
The Lion's Mound, overlooks what once was a battlefield and commemorates victory over Napoleon. The beast is located on top of this 40 metres hill. It was built between 1823 and 1826. It has a colossal lion at the top, made of cast iron, weighing 28 tonnes. (more details & location)
Greening of the Mont-Saint-Jean Farm, Waterloo
17/03/2021
The Mont-Saint-Jean Farm in Waterloo is home to a museum and the John Martin microbrewery. This historical location served as a surgical hospital for the allied troops during the famous battle. (more details)