The real Asterix village

The real Asterix village For the launch of the 33rd album, Brussels will be submerged by a Gallic tidal wave BRUSSELS ∇ "It's going to be a big party!" A nice euphemism used by Bernard de Choisyx, responsible for the launch of the 33rd Asterix album and Albert Uderzo's son-in-law, to present what looks like a mega-promotional event. For three days, on September 23, 24 and 25, the Grand-Place will be nothing but palisades, huts, fishmongers, stables, etc. Cétautomatix, Abraracourcix, Panoramix, Assurancetourix, Agecanonix, Bonus Caius, Sextilius Gracchus, Surtax, Roman legions, pirates... will accompany Asterix, Idefix and Obelix to promote the release of an album still secret. Indeed, to date, no information has filtered out about it, not even the title. "We decided to launch this album in Brussels because it is the capital of Europe and, above all, of the world of comics. As we wanted to keep the story and the title secret, people had to have something to sink their teeth into. That's when we decided to organize the biggest exhibition ever made on Asterix," explains Bernard de Choisyx. This exhibition will have as its theme Asterix's mirror world. Tour and Taxis will host, over 2,000 m², the world's largest collection of objects concerning the irreducible Gaul. This belongs to Brussels resident Marcus Jallonus. This fan owns pieces 45 years old! In addition, it will be possible to admire about forty original Uderzo plates never before shown to the general public. Locally, we will not be left out. Philippus Declus, Alderman for Urban Planning: "Giant Asterix and Obelix will be built in the Béguinage and Marolles districts. They will follow a route through the city and then converge on the Grand-Place. A new fresco will be added to our comic strip route since Asterix will be found at 33 rue de la Buanderie. Merchants will also be involved: we will propose that they participate in a window display competition with, of course, the Gauls as a theme. But, all this still remains to be confirmed as the College has not yet given its approval to all these events." Buses, signs and buildings should also take on a Gallic appearance. While 5,000 roller skaters should parade through the streets of Brussels, decked out in helmets and braids for the Roller Parade on Friday, September 23. All that would be missing is for the Brussels police officers to dress up as Romans. Mateusz Kukulka Asterix Expo from September 22 to January 15 at Tour & Taxis. Gallic village on the Grand Place on September 23, 24 and 25. Menhirs in Brussels BRUSSELS ∇ In addition to the many activities that will take place throughout the city, there should be illuminated menhirs at various crossroads in the Brussels Region. Bernard de Choisy explains: "We really want the whole city to be Gallic. The installation of menhirs at important intersections goes in this direction. The spirit of Asterix must be everywhere and at all times." But nothing is less certain as no agreement has yet been found between Charles Picqué's cabinet and Bernard de Choisy. On the Grand-Place, a three-meter-high menhir should stand in the middle of the Gallic village. Philippe Decloux would then like to find a place for it in an unlisted park in Brussels. The aim is to have an eternal trace of the Gauls' passage. M. K. The Gaul in a plane BRUSSELS ∇ A huge Asterix will be painted on the fuselage of an SN Brussels Airlines plane. "A world first," assures Uderzo's son-in-law. "It's really going to be fantastic. Asterix will have his own plane. Albert Uderzo will use it to carry out a seven-stage tour across Europe. He will be able to meet the many journalists eager to know a little more. This aircraft will be a magnificent tool to transmit the spirit and values of the valiant little Gaul. With all the other activities organized for the launch of the album, it promises to be unforgettable." History does not yet say whether this could inspire Asterix's creator to title his next album: Asterix in a Plane. M. K.