Bruges Events
As the canals reopen after a long cold winter, Bruges is positively teaming with events that inspire, engage and involve the international backpacker. So without further ado, here’s James with what’s coming up in March.
Story Highlights
- Cinema Novo Festival
- Guilliame Michiels Exhibit
- Mezcal Ensemble
- Bruges Concert Hall
- The Canals
Cinema Novo Festival ‐ March 11 to 21, 2010
The Cinema Novo Festival is an oriental and occidental diversion into a wealth of cultural experiences. It’s the opposite end of the western norm spectrum, concentrating mainly on films from Asia, Africa and South, and Central America. The festival is ultimately designed to target those who appreciate the art of filmography and the current plans include screening 65 films, to an anticipated audience of 20,000 people.
As an opportunity to experience a diverse range of world art, this festival is one of the most ambitious events in Bruges and since its origin in 1983, the Cinema Novo Festival has been an artistic highlight of the events calendar. This year’s festival will have a special focus on Turkish film, ironically reflecting the traditional east meets west interpretation of Turkish culture. Films will be screened at the Cinema Novo at Oude Burg 36, B‐8000 Brugge. Film times once confirmed are available from the Bruges Tourist Office.
Guilliame Michiels Exhibit ‐ March 7, 2010
A famous son of Bruges, Guilliame Michiels is the subject of a new exhibit opening at the Bruges Folklore Museum. The exhibition seeks to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Michiel’s birth with a large collection of paintings showcasing his links with the city. Titled ‐ The World of a Man, Bruges 1909 ‐ 1997, the exhibit is an opportunity to explore some of the city’s cultural background and heritage. The exhibit opens at the Bruges Folklore Museum on Balstraat 43, B‐8000 Bruges. It’s set to run for the whole of March.
Mezcal Ensemble ‐ March 28, 2010
This is an exciting project from musician Luiz Márquez called Magic Tales from Obscure Places. The artistic concept of the piece draws inspiration from pre‐Columbian and Western culture to construct an eclectic musical piece. The ensemble includes music from bamboo flutes, ocarinas, percussion, violin, sax, piano and guitar, all of which combine to produce a melting pot of musical traditions. The performance is set to go ahead at 11.00 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Burg 10.
Bruges Concert Hall
The Bruges Concert Hall offers its usual collection of high quality performers throughout the month of March. Of special interest this month is Raimand Hoghe’s production of Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake on March 13 at 20.00 for €15. Hoghe’s better known as the winner of the Prix de la Critique française so this should be good!
In addition the Ars Musica Brugge will be held at the hall on March 31. This production uses Maths as a muse and presents a modern interpretive dance movement ‐ likely to be unlike anything developed elsewhere. This one begins at 10.00 and will appeal to those who admire a decidedly alternative aspect of art.
The Canals
With the approach of Spring (which March tenuously promises) the outdoor tourist season in Bruges prepares to re‐launch itself. The idyllic canals are a foundation of the Bruges tourist experience and as they reopen after the winter, a mass of gliding boats will once again take to the water ways. This boating experience is an essential part of of any trip to the Belgian city and is as integral to Bruges as chocolate. The historic canals invitingly beckon the uninitiated, so go on, give in and get on a boat.
‐ James Garrett
