Today in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and all of Europe, as the people of Brussels themselves say, the nearly two-month-long Renaissance Festival is coming to an end.
The festival (18 May - 5 July) is dedicated to the history and culture of Brussels during the Renaissance and the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, when the city was the center of European politics and culture.
The Renaissance period is undoubtedly considered to be the period of true prosperity for all of Europe and Brussels itself. Charles V ruled most of Europe and the West Indies - the Spanish territories in the New World. He put forward the slogan of an empire "on which the sun never sets."
Brussels residents are proud that the most influential figure in European politics of his time chose it as his main residence. The result was a rapid development in all areas: diplomacy, culture, arts, and economy. Some see this as a sign of the future - the creation of a united Europe and, as a result, the declaration of Brussels as the capital of 500 million Europeans.
The festival during this period included various events and performances, culminating in the Ommegang celebration (meaning: "moving around" or "walking around", translated from Dutch). On the last day of the festival, a knights' tournament is held in the Renaissance village of Sablon. Here you can also get acquainted with the work of medieval craftsmen and artisans.
Report presents photos from the Renaissance Festival and the Ommegang celebration.