2023-11-16 07:38:00
The trunk is big this year. It had to be drastically pruned to fit it into the thin hole in the center of the Grand-Place in Brussels. In two hours, the trick was done: 22 meters high, the majestic fir tree now sits in the heart of the capital.
“One of the most beautiful in Europe,” assures the supplier. “A beautiful shape, worthy of the prestige of the place”, we rejoice in the City. “I love him,” says Johnny. This resident of Koekelberg came to the Grand-Place at 6 a.m. to watch the show. “I didn’t want to miss this.” Like other Brussels residents, he leaves with a few branches from the tree. “I’m going to put them at home. This will be my blessing for the year.”
Coming from the Antwerp region
After Dilbeek on the outskirts of Brussels and Raeren near the German border, the majestic Nordmann comes this year from the Antwerp region, from the small town of Lier to be precise. This year once more, the Brussels hardwood was cut down in a private garden.
It was in the garden of Maria, 87, that Pierre Demesmaeker (Inter-Arbo), “the” Belgian specialist in large fir trees for four generations, found the specimen. “I saw him passing through here. Over time, we have an eye.”
Cut in a garden near Antwerp, the majestic 20-meter fir tree on its way to the Grand-Place in Brussels: “one of the most beautiful in Europe” (PHOTOS)
Initially, the lady did not want to part with the tree, planted in the 1970s by her late husband, Jos. Diminutive of Joseph. “Maria and Joseph, that’s good for Christmas,” smiles the specialist. Finally, the Lierroise changed her mind because of the nuisance the tree was causing to the neighbors’ garden.
The felling of this wooden colossus this Wednesday morning proved particularly perilous. Firstly because of the weight, estimated between 6 and 8.5 tonnes. Then because of the configuration of the place. The tree was in fact planted at the back of the house, with no side access. So we had to build the titanic conifer… above the house! A time-consuming operation costing around €5,000, but crowned with success. After several hours, this king of the forests was placed in a huge trailer, groomed by a team of specialists. Then head to Brussels from early morning on Thursday to avoid traffic jams and not generate more congestion.
Canadian decorations
Once erected in the center of the Grand-Place, however, the tree did not look so great… It lost feathers, or rather branches, in the battle of transport. “You can’t make an omelette without breaking the eggs,” explains the specialist. “Of course, we then repair the areas that were damaged during the journey.”
For decorations and lights, Christmas enthusiasts will still have to wait a little longer. This year, Quebec is in the spotlight of Winter Wonders and the tree will display ornaments relating to the Eleven Indigenous Nations of Quebec. Among other things, 50 pearls of white light will be placed, as well as 2 km of light garlands.
Flemish fir, Quebec tent at the Stock Exchange, returnable dishes, extended drop zone…: 6 things to know regarding Plaisirs d’Hiver 2023
The illumination will take place from November 24. Kick-off date for Winter Wonders and its vast Christmas market.
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