For Pride 2025, Brussels is adding a stylish twist to a beloved symbol. Jeanneke-Pis, the mischievous little sister of Manneken, will be crowned with a custom hat by legendary Belgian designer Elvis Pompilio. It’s a cheeky, joyful celebration of queer creativity — right in the heart of the city.
Perched in the Impasse de la Fidélité since the 1980s, Jeanneke has always been more than a statue. She’s bold, unapologetic, and proudly public — making her a surprisingly perfect symbol of queer resilience and fun.
“Jeanneke isn’t just cute,” says a local. “She’s daring. She’s got that Brussels ‘zwanze’ spirit — unfiltered and full of attitude.”
On May 16, she’ll show it off even more. Elvis Pompilio — famous for designing imaginative hats for royalty, runways, and rebels — is bringing his magic to the fountain figure. The result? A one-of-a-kind hat that makes a statement: visibility can be playful, proud, and powerful.
“For me, the hat is about presence,” says Elvis. “It’s about saying: ‘I’m here, and I’m worth celebrating.’ That’s what Pride is.”
The collaboration is a celebration of diversity, difference, and the quirky soul of Brussels itself. It’s not just about a statue or a designer. It’s about taking joy seriously — and turning public space into a canvas for queer love, humour, and creativity.
Join the unveiling on 16 May from 11 AM at Jeanneke’s spot. Come for the fashion, stay for the festivity and raise a glass (or a wink) to freedom, flamboyance, and a fountain that always knows how to make a splash.
You may also like
-
Queer Art on Tap: Grands Carmes Launches Monthly Exhibitions in its Community Bar
Right in the middle of Brussels’ old town Grands Carmes is turning its bar/café into a
-
T-Day 2026: A Full Day of Trans and Non-Binary Joy in Brussels
T-Day 2026 is coming to Brussels on Saturday 4 April, bringing together trans, non-binary and
-
Paradise City 2026: full line-up revealed and another green milestone for Belgium’s most sustainable festival
Paradise City Festival has unveiled the full line-up for its 2026 edition, returning to the
-
From one public sphere to many bubbles: what the “new media regime” means for queer voices
In an influential essay published by Le Grand Continent, Jean-Louis Missika and Henri Verdier describe
-
A Safe Space for Recovery: A New Chemsex Self-Support Group in Liège
Centre S and the Maison Arc-en-Ciel de Liège have launched a new monthly self-support group — a caring,
