The Flea market
The heart of Brussels is called "Les Marolles" it is the only quarter where Brussels has almost kept it's origins and where people still speak the real "Brusseler". This language consists of a mixture between dutch, french, and spanish words, put together into special words which only a real Brusseler can understand. Some words are so juicy and special, you just can't translate it into other languages. They have their own meaning. If you try to translate one word, you would have to use at least 3 or more in another language to get the same meaning.
In this quarter also is the famous "Flea market" This market was already mentioned in early 16th century and in 1873 merchants settled officially in there. The market takes place every day since 1919. I don't know if it is true but it seems to be the world's only antiques and flea market open every day.
You can find everything there, antiques (it has happened that a long time disappeared painting of great value has been found on this market) furniture, matresses, household stuff, glasses, even used false teeth !
The market is always very colorful and surrounded by little cafés and restaurants which are very old and typical. In there you can find all social groups from the poorest to the richest and the plates are typical brussel's kitchen. In winter they serve amongst other belgian food a delicious onion soup.
Since the 60th a lot of Belgian citizen moved out of the city and immigrants moved in. Today a lot of nationalities are represented in the Marolles. Citizens from the European Union, such as Spanishs, Frenchs, Italians, and Portuguese, the others are mostly Morrocans, and people from the Congo (ancient Colony of Belgium). These calaidoscope of nationalities gives a very special athmosphere in this quarter.
If ever you are looking for some special spices for your cooking or want to eat something special in the restaurant, just go to the Marolles, there you find whatever you want to.
In one of the very old cafés, in the last two centuries, homeless people slept on cords, sitting on a chair, head in the arms. In the morning the owner cut the cord and put them out.
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4 comments:
Hi;
I was there twice during the 90's and the old quarter looked like exactly the same. Some friends from Brussels toured me around but they forgot to mention it's a daily flea market. It sure is a unique and very interesting place. I long to visit Brussels again. :)
What a lovely round tour trip - very interesting and very readable. Thanks for sharing and with those wonderful pictures. Reading and looking makes me feel I was there with you!
As you know I often go to Brussels and my last post from there is:
Brussels, The European Capital
I like flea markets- you can find such interesting things at them. Thanks for the tour.
Hi Gattina. "Les Marolles" sounds like a magnificent place to visit. I love the idea of a flea market open everyday. It must be exciting to look around and hope to find a nice treasure. I love hanging out in cafes. It must be nice to relax in those cafes you mentioned.
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