Source: CNA
The Manneken Pis, the iconic statue of Brussels, was dressed in traditional Cypriot clothing, the vraka, to honor Cyprus’ Independence Day on October 1st.
The event, held in the late afternoon on Wednesday in Brussels, was attended by a large number of Cypriots in a festive mood. Representing the Republic of Cyprus and its Permanent Representation to the EU was Petros Mavrikios, Cyprus’ Ambassador to the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC). Karin Lallier, City Councilor responsible for cultural affairs, represented the City of Brussels. Members of the Order of Friends of Manneken Pis were also present, along with Nicolas Edelman, the city official responsible for dressing the Manneken Pis.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mavrikios thanked the City of Brussels for the warm welcome and hospitality. Referring to October 1st, he said, “We celebrate independence but also remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to make this goal possible.”
Ambassador Mavrikios added that despite the challenges of occupation, Cyprus has worked to build a modern, vibrant, and prosperous country, culminating in the remarkable achievement of EU accession in 2004. He also emphasized Cyprus’ commitment to the values at the heart of the European project.
“Cyprus is a proud member of the European family, working closely with other member states to improve our societies, protect our citizens, and make the most of our potential,” he said.
City Councilor Karin Lallier explained that the Manneken Pis is a symbol of Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and added that dressing the statue in the national costume of Cyprus is a demonstration of the friendship between Brussels and Cyprus.
Nicolas Edelman, who has had the exclusive responsibility of dressing the Manneken Pis since 2014, told CNA that the vraka costume was slightly more challenging to put on compared to other outfits. “It’s a bit tricky, but I’ve been dressing the Manneken Pis since 2014 and I’m ready to handle any situation,” he said.
The national costume with the vraka was gifted to the City of Brussels by the Cypriot Embassy in 2010 for Cyprus’ Independence Day celebrations. On other days, it is displayed in the museum wing called “Manneken Pis, a very European resident of Brussels”, alongside the national costumes of other EU member states.
