Christmas markets bring festive mood to streets of Brussels
Christmas markets are an integral feature of celebrating the holiday across Europe. The tradition of trading at the central squares of European cities ahead of Christmas appeared in the medieval period and has been relevant till today. Belgium and its Christmas markets are one of the European sites attracting numerous tourists. A magical atmosphere of Belgium is in a photo story from Kazinform News Agency’s correspondent.
One of the first Christmas markets originated in Germany in 1310 enabling people to buy foodstuffs, clothes and other necessary things before winter. Later, the range of products expanded with New Year toys, handmade items, sweets, ready meals and many other things.
In the 20th century, Christmas bazaars became an inextricable part of celebrating the holiday in many European countries.
Belgium is one of the European countries whose Christmas markets attract tourists ahead of the holiday. During the period from November 24 to December 31, Christmas markets will be functioning in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, and Liege.
Christmas market is not organized at the Grand Place in Brussels, where the New Year tree and Nativity Scene are installed.
Another famous site of Brussels is the Manneken Pis dressed as Santa Claus on December 24-25. On the occasion of the 20th and 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, the Manneken Pis was dressed in the Kazakh traditional clothes which proves positive character of the relations between Kazakhstan and Belgium.
The Christmas markets are organized in different places of the city center, with the biggest and most attractive one located at the St. Catherine Square.
Numerous Christmas markets were opened around the St. Catherine Church.
