Fleeing to the Flea market: Marollen Brocante!

intimiating shopkeeper against fire

After casually saving Bruxelles this morning, I knew I was off to a good start in this flea market in Marolles. This pocket of Brussels is essentially a historic place for social gatherings and, more famously, for its antique furniture and second-hand items which you will not find in an urban store around the city. The fact that this place attracts a good chunk of tourists every day it is held makes it safe to say that the choices to choose from are many.

Often, we end up having nice conversations with the shopkeepers, who hand out excellent deals depending on your bargaining skills and rapport, so I tend to go home empty-handed. Well, not today. I was able to get a couple of things that caught my eye. After all, a trip around this maze of interesting artworks and pieces is super tantalizing for impulse purchases.

A fun thing about the Marolles neighbourhood in Brussels is that it immediately reflects the reality of a survival economy. While the main event here is a brocante, or the commerce of second-hand items, this area has been historically used for the same purpose since the late 19th century. Many vendors travelled great distances to unload and sell their wares to fellow traders and merchants who also survived on similar trade acumen. Interestingly, many shops around this square are actually descended from those merchants who first set up shop here and now sell antique products in high-end storefronts today. Looking at the vast spectrum of products one can still find in this flea market, it is easy to admire the history of trade unfolding before us, especially in this grand metropolis of Europe.

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