Feature: Parade of Giants in Brussels brings centuries of joy

Every year on Aug. 9 in Brussels, people gather together in Grande-Place to celebrate a unique festival called Meyboom parade, which also known as the Parade of the Giants, with a tradition of more than 700 years.

The Meyboom, which represents the tree of joy, was first erected in Brussels in 1213 to celebrate a victory over the city of Leuven.

Despite various legends about its origin, from a rocky marriage to taxes dispute on beer, Brussels won the victory at last with the privilege of planting a tree each year and since then the city carefully preserves the tradition of Meyboom.

"This parade enjoys a long history. It is part of the soul of Brussels," said Lucas Desmet, who played as a "Buumdroegers" to carry the tree of joy to plant in the Grande-Place.

Desmet told Xinhua that every actor in the colorful parade has a role to play, the other main actors are the giants, Companions of St. Laurent, Gardevils of the Wheel of Fortune and other folk groups.

Featuring a brass band, nine dancing giants and people dressed in folk dress, the joyful atmosphere attracted more and more people to participate in the parade on the way. A small group of actors sent flowers to the passengers from a cart and gave their best wishes.

"Actually the whole point of this parade is about joy," said Steven Lindeman, who is an organizer of the event, acting also as one of the Companions.

"The tradition of joy we hope to bring to everyone, we are all equals and deserved happiness," he told Xinhua that the parade is also dedicated to helping the poor in the city, attracting hundreds of people to be part of the parade.

Lindeman also explained that the Meyboom must be planted straight on the Grande-Place before 5 p.m. otherwise the privilege should be given away to Leuven.

"We must save our honour," said Lindeman, "the tree we present today is for the general public and the good of the city."

"Especially after what happened to the city and Europe in recent months, people need to cheer up," he stressed, expressing his faith in fighting against terrorism.

"We believe in victory like we used to," he said.

After successful plantation of the commemorating tree of joy, the event is celebrated until dawn.

In 2005, the erection of the Meyboom was recognized as an expression of intangible heritage by UNESCO, along with the Ducasse of Ath, another Belgian Giants festival which takes place annually on the last weekend of August. Endit