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🇧🇪 Belgium /Economy & Trade

146th Brussels Zuidfoor Officially Opens: "Most Important Fair of the Year"

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The 146th edition of the Zuidfoor fair in Brussels has officially opened.
  • The fair, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is considered one of the most important of the year by its vendors.
  • Organizers and vendors expressed optimism for good attendance, hoping for pleasant weather without excessive heat or rain.

Brussels has officially opened the doors to its 146th Zuidfoor fair, a beloved annual event that runs until August 23. This year's fair holds a special significance as it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding a layer of cultural prestige to the bustling atmosphere.

Fortunately, it's a bit less warm today. And we are actually very happy about that. This is ideal weather for us. We have a heatwave behind us and that can stay that way. If it's too warm, people go to the fair less. So we hope the weather stays like this, without rain.

— A fair vendorA fair vendor expresses relief about cooler weather, explaining its positive impact on visitor numbers and their business.

The opening day saw a mix of excitement and relief among the fair's vendors, particularly regarding the weather. "Fortunately, it's a bit less warm today," noted one vendor, expressing happiness with the cooler temperatures following a recent heatwave. "This is ideal weather for us. If it's too hot, people visit the fair less. We hope the weather stays like this, without rain."

For many stallholders, the Zuidfoor represents the pinnacle of their year. "This is perhaps the most important fair of the year for us," stated another vendor. "It's one of the best fairs. We are here for a long time, there are many people because it's vacation time, and the atmosphere is good." This sentiment highlights the economic and social importance of the fair for those who depend on it.

Because this fair is perhaps the most important fair of the year for us. This is one of the best fairs. We are here for a long time, there are many people because it's vacation time, and the atmosphere is good.

— Another fair vendorAnother vendor emphasizes the economic and social significance of the Zuidfoor, highlighting its status as a prime event for their livelihood.

The vibrant atmosphere is palpable from the outset, embodied by the Gardevils of the Meyboom. They see the fair as more than just entertainment. "This is part of our Brussels folklore, and folklore brings people together," they explained. "It makes the city more beautiful and fun, and that's why we love this Zuidfoor." Their words underscore the fair's role in preserving and celebrating local traditions, contributing to the unique character of Brussels.

This is part of our Brussels folklore, and folklore brings people together. It makes the city more beautiful and fun, and that's why we love this Zuidfoor.

— The Gardevils of the MeyboomThe Gardevils of the Meyboom describe the fair's role in fostering community and enhancing the city's appeal through tradition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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