Zinneke: an exploration of a remarkable sustainable contemporary event
Zinneke: an exploration of a remarkable sustainable contemporary event
by Richard Harris, Brussels
Zinneke: visually spectacular and lots of fun! It’s a biennial parade based fully in the rich and still very vibrant Belgian carnival and parade tradition with giants, people on stilts, drum batteries, clowns, ribald humor, etc. It simultaneously manages to be intensely modern with vertiginous multiculturalism, ecological and democratic foundations, and performance art. It is the result of an intense collaboration between inhabitants, associations, schools and artists from the different neighborhoods of Brussels and beyond. Zinneke is a collective creation, a walking extravaganza which presents itself both as an expression of and an experiment in living together in diversity in the city.
Zinneke is the Brusseleir word for “mutt”, and is what the people of Brussels have always been, at the 
In 2000, as part of the European City of Culture festivities, the parade was born. One of the purposes was to develop creative workshops throughout the city, especially in disadvantaged areas. Each parade has a theme and is developed over two years. The process starts with the election of a theme; two years ago it was “The Table”, in celebration of eating and socializing; two years before that it was “Water”. This time, the 900 suggestions were reduced to three finalists: “Desire”, “Disorder” and “Fragility”. The winner was “Disorder”. Once the theme is set, the 2,000 participants who constitute the 22 Zinnodes (or teams) start brainstorming how they are going to interpret the theme visually and what spin they are going to put on it.The Zinnodes then design, build or choreograph their concept and 
The creative process of Zinneke embodies sustainability and ecological concerns. Though there are some traditional musical instruments, most are constructed and everything must be human-powered. There is no electric amplification of the music and no motors or fuel are used in the parade. A premium is put on using recycled materials and objects. Most Zinnodes design their presentation around such ideas as limiting the carbon footprint, intercultural communication, a green future, the power of art to help create a better world, and local sourcing. But, of course, in fine Brussels tradition these 
Children are important participants. Not only are children exposed to art and the creative process, but also to art and performance as a team activity. So often the only team activity children are exposed to and encouraged to participate in is athletics, which presupposes competition. Here we have teams without the struggle, though, naturally, everyone wants their Zinnode to shine. Also the inclusion is broad; in addition to the many cultural groups, special populations are involved.
At the end of the parade, there is a surprise send-off. Two years ago, all the participants leapt into the air at once; this year it was a fireworks display. Then, everyone, participant and spectator together, celebrates into the wee hours.
There are a staggering 700 public events in Brussels per year (an average of 2 per day) which is one of the things that makes it so much fun to live here, and this is one of the best.