Opening Ceremony
Manneken Pis
Friday, January 31 2025
5 PM – Brussels City Hall (Grand Place)
Since its first edition, the Courts Mais Trash festival has been deeply rooted in the city of Brussels. To mark its 20th edition, the event is taking over the Espace Magh, just a stone’s throw from the Manneken Pis. This unique opportunity strengthens its Brussels identity, linking trash cinema with folkloric culture!
The Costume: A Nod to Underground Cinema
Stylist Gert-Jan Van Sonsbeek has designed a costume inspired by Divine, one of the iconic figures of underground cinema. Portrayed by Harris Glenn Milstead in John Waters’ Pink Flamingos, Divine is a queer icon of trash cinema and a symbol of provocative, offbeat filmmaking. The blood-red dress, a true international reference, has left its mark on history and inspired numerous artists and stylists.
Dressing the Manneken Pis in this dress is more than just a playful nod—it’s a vibrant tribute to trash cinema and the legacy of figures like Divine. This quirky costume will delight cinephiles and underground culture enthusiasts while amusing those discovering this world for the first time.
The festival’s opening will take place at 5:00 PM at Brussels City Hall, with political representatives in attendance. At 6:00 PM, a procession will head to the Manneken Pis for the costume reveal, accompanied by the Order of the Moestasje of Brussels. Our partner brewery, “Drink Drink,” will offer a friendly drink. After the ceremony, everyone is invited to the Espace Magh for the official festival opening.
Expect an unforgettable evening of irreverence and creativity in true Courts Mais Trash tradition!
You must be logged in to post a comment.