Fiesta Latina, an annual three-day festival held in September, will no longer be allowed to take place in the Bois de la Cambre. Brussels’ alderwoman for green spaces, Florence Frelinx (MR), is moving the event to Cinquantenaire Park. The large-scale Latino festival attracts between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors every year. “Fiesta Latina lasts several days, plays music continuously and features 90 food trucks,” Frelinx told Bruzz. “The complaints from local residents were numerous and legitimate. Bois de la Cambre is not suited to this kind
of event.” She said the ban was part of a broader strategy. “I want to limit this sort of festival and open-air event in green spaces as much as possible,” Frelinx added. “I’m absolutely in favour of a dynamic and vibrant city, but other public locations are better suited to that. “Our green spaces are, first and foremost, the city’s green lungs and the garden for those who do not have one of their own.” At the same time, Frenlinx has given permission for another
open-air event – which is expecting 10,000 people on 24 May – to remain in the park. That event, organised by Hangar, is being held for British DJ and music producer Pawsa. The decision to allow the massive event has already drawn criticism from nature organisations, particularly because it will be taking place in the middle of the breeding season. “Noise, lights, fireworks and trampled plants can all cause problems for wildlife,” said Julie Van Houtryve of bird protection association Vogelbescherming Vlaanderen in February. “Animals
may exhibit temporary stress reactions or even flee the area permanently.” Frelinx responded to criticisms by saying that unlike Fiesta Latina, the Hangar event is an “exceptional event” and a unique opportunity to host an “exceptional artist”. She added that, in the future, Brussels would cease hosting such events in the Bois de la Cambre, as it “is not intended for that purpose”.
Fiesta Latina, Bois de la Cambre, Cinquantenaire Park, Florence Frelinx, green spaces, Brussels, Hangar, Pawsa, Vogelbescherming Vlaanderen, Pawsa