Marolle Forever

Nestled in the heart of Brussels, under the shadow of the monumental Palace of Justice, the Marolles is an iconic neighborhood of our capital. Everyone thinks of its cobblestones, its flea market vendors, its folklore… But what lies behind this unique district?

A neighborhood at the heart of the city and, for as long as anyone can remember, on the margins. Perhaps this is the origin of the rebellious spirit of the Marollien·ne, often in conflict with authority. Attempts to silence the Marollien·nes, to tame this spirit of protest, as well as evictions, expropriations, and gentrification efforts, have all ended in failure. Against all odds, the Marolle resists. The Marolles is also a land of welcome for immigrants from around the world. But actually, should we say la Marolle? Or les Marolles? And at its core, what does it mean to be a Marollien·ne? Is it the Marolle that makes the Marollien·ne? Or the Marollien·nes who make the Marolle?

In the style of the storytellers of Djema El Fna Square – think of it like the Place du Jeu de Balle, but more exotic – the two griots, Hakim Louk’man and Othmane Moumen, attempt to reveal a part of its history and invite you on a colorful journey, an improbable meeting between One Thousand and One Nights and Pitje Schramouille.