It has been another busy week in Belgium with carnivals and sombre milestones providing highs and lows. Besides written coverage, this week's events have led to some striking images. Here are five stand-out shots that capture the moment.
Carnival crew
Credit: Benoit Doppagne/Belga.
On Tuesday, Belgium's carnival season began and the renowned festivities in Binche garnered international attention. This year, the carnival attracted over 135,000 visitors. For more about Binche Carnival, see this explainer on Belgium's folklore celebrations.
A knight's tale
Credit: Tijs Vanderstappen/Belga.
The University of Antwerp presented the snippet of a Middle Dutch knight's tale that they had bought at a prior auction. The fragment will be subjected to deep analysis by the university's researchers who will try to decode the message on and within the medieval parchment.
Back to Belgium
Credit: Eric Lalmand/Belga.
Famed Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece 'Portrait of a Man (as the God Mars)' was displayed in his home country on Wednesday for the first in over 200 years.
The artwork was displayed at the Sotheby's auction house in Brussels. It will now go to New York for auction in May. Estimates suggest it will sell for between $20 and $30 million.
Offering shelter
Credit: Hatim Kaghat/Belga.
To tackle Belgium's ongoing reception crisis, various organisations have come together to open an emergency centre for 140 asylum seekers in the municipality of Anderlecht.
The opening comes as more and more tents have been set up along the capital's canal due to a chronic lack of space in reception centres.
One year on
Credit: Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga.
Friday marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Numerous actions took place across the EU capital to commemorate the ongoing war.
Outside the European Commission, thousands of teddy bears and toys were left on the Schuman roundabout, symbolising the thousands of children that have been abducted following the war in Ukraine.
Do you have an image to share with us? Let us know by emailing info@brusselstimes.com with the subject "This week in photos: Submission" for a chance to feature in The Brussels Times.
