In the southeast tip of Brussels, the Corner of Balai nestles into the Sonian Forest like a peninsula in the sea. It lines up its closely spaced row houses, built by and for working-class families between 1880 and 1920.
When a part of the Marolles district was demolished to make way for the Palace of Justice, some of the displaced families are said to have migrated to this popular and pleasant place, bringing with them their traditions and dialect. Today, the giants Mieke, Jeanneke, and Tichke still make appearances during Carnival.
The origin of the curious name "Balai" has its legend: Charles V, traveling alone in the forest, is said to have stopped incognito at a lumberjack's place. Well-received, he later summoned the man to the palace. And... granted him permission to cut branches in the woods to make brooms (balais). Or maybe, the neighborhood's residents mainly made a living from selling forest products, including, until the 1960s, the famous tied twig brooms used for street cleaning.
The future challenge is to preserve this unique place in the region, the last non-enclosed village in the city's urban development, historically protected by its forest and natural surroundings.