Photographer: Olivier Hoslet
In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, a feast of lights is taking place on the theme of "Europe and its values". From 15 to 18 February, the eighth-edition Bright Festival of Lights in Brussels, a four-day festival, gave the city a dazzling veneer. This year's festival is not only to celebrate the Belgian presidency of the European Union in 2024, but also to showcase Europe's rich cultural heritage and shared values through the art of light and shadow.
In Brussels' Fiftieth Anniversary Park, a marine-themed light show is projected on the façade of a museum. Titled "Heart of the Ocean", this lighting work perfectly integrates the deep marine world with the museum's architecture, presenting the audience with a double feast of vision and art. The blue waves rise and fall on the wall, as if to transport people into the mysterious and magnificent underwater world. This kind of light show not only makes people intoxicated by the charm of light and shadow, but also makes people deeply feel the vastness and depth of the ocean and the importance of protecting the marine environment.
In addition to the ocean-themed light show, this year's festival also showcased 30 light art works from around the world. The works are projected in various landmark buildings and public spaces in Brussels, decorating the city as if it were a dream. The audience walks through the streets of light and shadow, as if they are in a dream full of fantasy and creativity. These lighting works not only show the ingenuity of the artists, but also convey the unique charm of Europe's diverse and integrated culture.
However, just as the Brussels Festival of Lights is in full swing, there is worrying news from the European Commission. On 15 February, the European Commission lowered its forecast for Eurozone GDP growth in 2024 to 09%, 04 percentage points. This is mainly based on negative trends such as sluggish consumption and declining demand due to high interest rates. This news undoubtedly casts a shadow over the economic outlook for Brussels and Europe as a whole.
Despite this, the Brussels Festival of Lights is still taking place as scheduled, and it brings hope and courage to people with even more brilliant light and shadow. This feast of lights not only allows people to appreciate the perfect combination of art and technology, but also allows people to see the unity and resilience that Europe has shown in the face of economic difficulties. As the theme of the festival of lights, "Europe and its values", expresses, European countries can work together to preserve and promote European cultural traditions and values, even in difficult times.
In addition, the Brussels Festival of Lights has also injected a shot in the arm for the local economy. With the influx of tourists, Brussels' hospitality, catering, retail and other industries have ushered in a new round of development opportunities. Many merchants have also taken this opportunity to launch various promotions to attract more tourists to come and spend. This has undoubtedly added impetus to the economic recovery of Brussels and Belgium as a whole.
All in all, the 8th Brussels Festival of Lights is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a showcase of the unique charm of European culture and the resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. Although the economic outlook for the EU remains challenging, the hope and courage of the Brussels Festival of Lights gives confidence that European countries can work together for a better future.