Very few celebrations come with as much history as Brussels’ Meyboom. The first Meyboom was in 1311. Seven hundred years later, its still going strong. And yes, that’s seven, not several.
Every year a procession leaves from outside the Comic Strip Museum and marches to the Grand Place. Therein a carnival spirit develops. But – and this is the crucial quirk of the celebration – the tree has to be planted by 5 o’clock. Often, this results in a quick march back to the corner of the Rue des Sables & Rue des Marais where the May tree is planted.
The history of the Meyboom has mythical status, but the story I heard was this: a newly married couple from Brussels were returning from their wedding when they were attacked by a gang of youths from Leuven. When the attackers were thwarted, the reward for the newly-weds was that they could plant a tree on the birthday of St. Laurence, their saviour, every year.
This explains why every year the Meyboom takes place on the 9th of August.
But the tree planting is not the denouement of the Meyboom. Because after this has occurred, there is a whole evening of festivities, including a big bonfire and much gaiety. Even in its old age, the Meyboom is worth taking part in: some things last for a long time despite being rubbish; the Meyboom is both steeped in history, and also a really great party.
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