Persian Culture

[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/181041-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing-gong-fu-cha) What people say about Chinese Tea with Wenwei: “**A real revelation**” "Immersive, Informative, Intimate" "Wholesome" “Enormous passion for her roots”, “ The most convivial and informative of tea drinking experiences “ "Beyond tea tasting" "Gentle healing" Our gatherings are rooted in the **ever-evolving** Chinese tea culture. We explore how contemporary Chinese people enjoy tea in daily life, discover its beauty, and reflect on **the philosophies and mindsets** behind it. I also call it an **honest tea-sensing experience.** Around tea, countless stories have been told or imagined. The story I’d like to share is the one already present — **in the tea itself, and in our bodies.** In our stories, we search for “herbal remedies from the mountains and delightful moments at a writing desk”. We serve top-quality teas that carry **a comforting Qi:** no jitters but calm, no bitterness but transformation. For me, it’s like opening a window for European friends to glimpse Chinese tea culture - a taste and **a reference point for what tea means back home**. In each gathering, we follow the changes of the tea, let our imagination wander, and enjoy the journies it takes us on. **Not a ceremony**, not a tradition beyond tasting, beyond organic To give you an idea, below is an example of the teas we served: Depending on the number of participants and the time we have, we will taste 3 to 5 different teas, experiencing the **terroir of the mountains,** the **character of heirloom varietals,** the artistry of suitable **processing methods,** and immersing ourselves in an **Eastern aesthetic.** **Yellow Tea** \- Wild Laochuan tea from the Hengduan Mountains\, Sichuan heirloom varietal, Spring 2025. First flush, first pluck; grown by nature, with abundant tea energy (chaqi). **Oolong Tea** \- Dongfang Meiren \(Oriental Beauty\) from Fujian\, bitten by small green leafhoppers\, 2024\. From an ecological tea garden\, with intertwining honey\, floral\, and fruity aromas\. **Dark Tea (Hei Cha)** \- Heirloom varietal tea trees\, semi\-wild in deep mountains\, Spring 2016\. Fresh woody and floral notes\, pure dark tea with a cooling sensation\, and a pronounced Hui Gan \( Returning Sweetness \) **Black Tea (Hong Cha)** \- Zhengshan Xiaozhong \(Lapsang Souchong\) from Tongmu\, Wuyi Mountains – heirloom varietal\, Spring 2023\. Withered and smoked over native pinewood inside village houses, then roasted. Pine smoke fragrance with longan-sweet liquor and floral undertones. If you'd like, you can also try brewing the tea in Gong Fu styl yourself. **"The only thing that does not change is change itself"**, this also applies to Chinese tea culture. We are excited to hold a space where we create our unique experience together. The teas may be different for each gathering , but the love and passion we infuse will be just as strong, and for some of you, it will be a real revelation. Reserve your spot for **this convivial and informative gathering** in an intimate circle, where everyone shares, and every sense is engaged. Warmly, Wenwei Zhang **36€/ person** **[Sign up vis Hipsy](https://hipsy.be/event/181041-chinese-tea-gathering-and-cultural-sharing-gong-fu-cha)** Instagram: chinese_tea_with_wenwei Facebook:Chinese Tea with Wenwei in Belgium Google review: [https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL](https://g.co/kgs/cHZXuXL) Any questions: 0032 456 17 56 35

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 We meet in person on Saturday 21st February at Les Halles Saint Géry Cultural Centre where the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade starts on Sunday 15th March. More Volunteer Meetings will be organised in the coming months. Come along and briefed and see how you can help. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 21 February 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 3 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, andmany yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

**International House Leuven** organizes a coffee morning for those of you who like to chat and meet some friendly (new) faces. It's also a good place to ask questions, get answers and find out about what’s happening in Leuven. Our coffee morning is what you make it. So pop in and out whenever you like, see who is there, and say hi! Other than meeting on Friday mornings every two weeks at the IHL house, for this edition we will meet on a **Saturday every two weeks**, so that those who work during the week have a chance to come! Who's "we"? Well it varies a bit, but this time it will be volunteers from the IH, Zeba and/or Georgi! ​ The practicalities: \- the coffee morning goes for 2 hours\, for the exact time check the event details\. Feel free to pop in and out at any point\, no need to stay the entire time if that doesn't suit your own timing\. \- The location is stated in the event details\. Any changes will be communicated via MeetUp and the WhatsApp group on the day of\.\.\.\. \- ask the event volunteer at the event to be added to the Whatsapp group for future updates \- We will **limit the group size** because the cafe has limited seating, so please register so we know how many people are coming (and please respect your reservation, AKA cancel if you can no longer come :) ) Be aware that we cannot make a group reservation, so we may have to split up between a few tables. Hope to see you at this special coffee morning weekend edition!

Join us for a festive evening to celebrate **Chinese New Year** with great food, warm company, and a lively atmosphere! Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the most important holiday in Chinese culture — a time for gathering, sharing meals, and welcoming a new cycle of luck, prosperity, and happiness ✨ Let’s experience this tradition together over an authentic Chinese dinner in Brussels 🇨🇳🍜 ### 📍 Event Details **Location:** Tian Yuan House **Meeting Point:** Inside the restaurant ### 💡 Important • Please arrive on time so we can be seated together • Everyone orders and pays for their own food and drinks • Limited spots - RSVP only if you are sure you can attend ### 🧧 About Chinese New Year Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with a zodiac animal 🐎and symbolizes renewal, family, prosperity, and new beginnings 🌙 --- Come share good food, good conversations, and festive vibes — the best way to welcome the New Year together 🥂 ✨ See you there! ✨

General theme: Narrative Knowledge What are the consequences of our relying on narratives as a means to knowing, understanding and relating to the world? What are the advantages and disadvantages of our using narratives as a fundamental way to communicate with one another? Have our interactions and interrelationships in general become captivated (literally) by an excessive dominance of narratives? Just as walking upright has enhanced our ability to navigate our physical world, so has communicating via language enhanced our ability to navigate our social as well as introspective worlds. Dirt paths and asphalt roads we have created during our long process of walking upright have at the same time ultimately determined how we now currently interact with our physical landscapes - closed loops, literally and figuratively. Have all our inherited created narratives also closed-looped our minds, rigidly structuring how we relate to our own selves and to others? Is a key to cultural progress and evolution simply to add many new narratives, all expressing divergent perspectives? Or would de-narrating both our inner and outer worlds be an equally - possibly even more - valuable strategy? With what could we replace narratives if we still wanted/needed to connect and interact with ourselves, with others and with the world? Special theme: The Paradox of Philosophy Are there better ways to arrive at insight, understanding and meaning than by thinking philosophically? What we might call a "philosopher's paradox": 1.Philosophizing essentially demands optimizing our thinking (reasoning, conceptualizing, imagining...) as well as our overall awareness (of here, of now, of others, of self...). 2.Thinking typically diminishes awareness, and vice-versa. 3a. Western philosophy tends to prioritize thinking (abstract) over awareness (concrete). 3b. Much of western philosophy (even Phenomenology!) is consequently narrative in form. Conclusion: Optimizing our thinking necessitates ridding of (or at least suspending) our awareness. Nevertheless, awareness remains a valuable vehicle for attaining knowledge and insight. Is this "philosopher's paradox" simply an intellectual bug? Or is it a fundamental - arguably problematic - feature of our thinking that impedes us from knowing and experiencing anything most directly and fully? What better ways are there in any case to understand the nature of ourselves, our world and our existence than through thinking and philosophy?? Is a dog or rabbit more in touch with being and reality than a human? "Between your thoughts, it's the space that listens." Elias Amidon, from "Medicine Beauty" Illustration: "Socrates, Plato, Aristotle & the Buddhist monks" (concept by Alan Woo, executed by ChatGPT)

Forget the tourist crowds of Binche—this Sunday, we’re heading to Nivelles to experience one of Belgium’s oldest and most authentic folklore traditions! Join us as the "City of the Aclots" wakes up to the sound of wooden clogs and brass bands for its 122nd Carnival. We’ll witness the "Cavalcade," see the world-famous Gilles in their towering ostrich-feather hats, and dodge (or catch!) flying oranges. This is the perfect chance to tick off a major Belgian bucket-list item while meeting new people. 🕒 The Plan * 12:00 – Meet & Greet: We’ll meet at Gare du Midi for Brunch together at the Time Off buffet then take the bus to Nivelles from there. * 14:15 – The Grand Cavalcade: We’ll position ourselves to watch the parade depart from the station area. Expect colorful floats, giants, and plenty of music. * 15:15 – The Procession of the Gilles: The main event! Over 700 Gilles and folkloric groups will march toward the Grand-Place. * 16:30 – Tarte al D’jote Tasting: We’ll head to a local bakery or tavern to try the legendary Tarte al D’jote (a savory, cheesy chard tart). It’s been a local tradition since 1218—and it’s "costaud" (strong)! * 18:00 onwards: Drinks in the city center as the party continues. 💡 What to Bring * Old Clothes: Confetti is a given, and orange juice from "flying gifts" might happen. Wear something you don't mind getting a bit messy! * Comfortable Shoes: We’ll be walking and standing on cobblestones. * Cash: Some street stalls for food/drinks may not take cards. 🚆 Getting There * By Bus (no train that day) * By Car: Parking will be difficult in the center. Use the "Parking de délestage" (P+R) on the outskirts of the city and follow the carnival signs. ⚠️ Important Etiquette If a Gille throws an orange at you, it is a gift and a symbol of the coming spring. Do not throw it back—it is considered very disrespectful in Belgian culture! Just catch it, peel it, and enjoy. Ready to experience the real Belgium? RSVP now!

# Back to Pompeii Exhibition Step back in time and dive into ancient Pompeii, frozen by Vesuvius 🌋 The Pompeii exhibition in Brussels invites you to step back in time and dive into the heart of Pompeii, an ancient city frozen in History by the fury of Mount Vesuvius. Discover the daily life of a Pompeian family in immersive settings of exceptional quality. Explore reconstructed Roman homes, artisan workshops and entertainment venues, all recreated with precision and attention to detail. Discover the fascinating archaeological discoveries and poignant human stories unearthed from the ashes. Experience the city’s last tragic moments in a breathtaking show that will leave you speechless. The Pompeii exhibition in Brussels: an unforgettable experience discover a civilisation and its history, its art and its technology… right up to its last day. \*\*Afterwards\*\* → casual drinks together at Brasserie de la Senne (super close, great beers 🍻 – right on the Tour & Taxis site!) \*\*Please only sign up if you’re sure you can make it\*\* – helps avoid waiting 😊 Excited to explore ancient Rome with you! See you there? 🚀 **Practical information** Meeting point at 15:00 Ticket: take it for the slot 15:00-15:30 on [back to Pompeii website](https://tour-taxis.com/events/back-to-pompeii-exhibition-2/) Price = 18,5€ At Shed 4 bis, Tour & Taxis (Brussels). It is located opposite the Food Market and shares an entrance with the WOM. **Access - Public transport** **TRAIN** : Gare du Nord de Bruxelles, à 10 minutes à pied. **MÉTRO** : lignes 2 ou 6 – Arrêt Yser ou Ribaucourt. **TRAM** : lignes 51 ou 93 – Arrêt Sainctelette. **BUS** : lignes 14, 15, 57, 88 ou 89 – Arrêt Tour & Taxis.

Join us this Sunday for a relaxed and creative Art & Craft workshop, a space to slow down, create, and connect with others in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This workshop is not about being “good at art” ,it’s about enjoying the process, expressing yourself, and sharing a moment of creativity together. You’ll be guided through a simple, beginner-friendly activity, so no previous experience is needed. Enjoy your favorite drink, meet lovely people, and take a mindful pause from the week. ✨ All materials are included in the price (€5), and at the end of the workshop you’ll leave with something you’ve created yourself. We look forward to creating together 🤍

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

Come to our beaded jewel making workshop and prepare a jewellery one! :) Materials: fishing wire, different beads, faux leather, finishes and chains Method: we are going to prepare pieces of winter collections. Feel free to select the piece you would like to prepare from the webshop: https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/ Number of participants: maximum 7 persons Place : in our cosy atelier (1 Rue Pierre Theunis, sonette 81, 1030 Schaerbeek). Please note: we have a cat in the atelier. Registration: Click attend or email to tulipanedesign@gmail.com until 6 Feb 17h More info via phone: 0484329477 Price: 25 € TTC per person that includes the material, snacks and vouchers About the moderator Edit, founder of Tulipane Design. ‘Raised in the Hungarian countryside, I learned sewing, crochet and traditional bead weaving. Jewellery being my main interest, I especially liked bead weaving. This passion has always been with me. Since I have been living in Belgium, the African style fascinates me as much as the Hungarian folk style. With my work, which manifests itself under the brand name Tulipane Design, I would like to offer a delicate mixture of Eastern Europe and Africa. The designs are created and woven bead by bead. It is a work of patience and a kind of meditation: the beads take time to be woven. Through my childhood trauma with an abusive father, I realised that creating is a crucial activity to find my balance and well-being and I think I am not alone with this. That's why my goal is not only to share my creations with other women but also to contribute to a social impact. Tulipane Design contributes with 1€/jewel sold to the Domestic Violence Centre in Belgium.’ More information about Tulipane Design: Instagram or Facebook @tulipanedesign or at https://www.tulipanedesign.eu/

This Weekend Morning Coffee Meeting - Sunday Edition - will take place at Addies Stories, an Ethiopian Café with traditional Ethiopian coffee. 🗓 **Sunday, 22 February** ⏰ **from 10:30** 👥 **limited to 22 people - registration is obligatory** **This is an extract from the BUZZ from January 2026:** "Ethiopia is the country most often associated with coffee. Arabica grows in the wild, coffee is roasted at home and the coffee ceremony determines the rhythm of social life. The fact that coffee is so deeply anchored gives an extra dimension to the opening of Addis Stories, a place where it is more about real coffee than about fashion trends and trendy specialties." **https://www.bruzz.be/select/resto-bar/bij-addis-stories-draait-alles-om-pure-ethiopische-koffie-en-traditie-2026-01-24** **https://www.addisstories.com/** **Address:** **Addis Stories** **Rue du Vieux Marché 48** **1000 Brussels** This is one of our Sunday editions, which are usually meant to test new places outside our usual coffee locations. These editions are smaller and more experimental, and focus as much on the place and the neighbourhood as on the group itself. ### ### IMPORTANT Please **do not register if you are unsure you can come**. If you register and later realise you can’t make it, **cancel as soon as possible, latest on Saturday afternoon.** There is often a **waiting list**, and it’s only fair to give people on it a real chance to join. Thank you for being fair and respectful. If you’re **on the waiting list**, please **check your status on Saturday evening at the latest**. See you on Sunday ☕

CE SAMEDI 21.02.2026 - BRUSSELS MAIN EVENT [FLASHDANCE ~ SAMEDI 21.02 | GRANDE SOIREE RENCONTRES XXL | MADAME MOUSTACHE BXL x COEUR A CŒUR](https://fb.me/e/8mZ65f0SJ) 𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐑𝐄́𝐄 𝐂𝐄́𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐄́𝐑𝐎𝟏 𝐄𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 FB => [https://fb.me/e/8mZ65f0SJ](https://fb.me/e/8mZ65f0SJ) Ce samedi 21 FEVRIER, cœur à cœur vous amène chez Madame moustache dans le cœur historique de Bruxelles pour une nouvelle expérience. Cœur à Cœur débarque chez Madame moustache \- Vente flash uniquement pour la soirée 5€ /10€ =\> [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14995](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/14995) [Ou] Possibilité de prendre sur place ! *** Samedi 21 FEVRIER 22h00 Madame Moustache, 5-7 Quai au Bois à Brûler, 1000 Brussels DJ set \| Ambiance disco\, 80’s\, 90’s & 2000’s Dress code : Urban Chic Cœur à cœur débarque à Madame Moustache pour une édition exceptionnelle ! Cette fois-ci, préparez-vous à danser sur les meilleurs sons old school, des 80’s aux 2000’s, remixés comme jamais. Dans un cadre intemporel entre cabaret, cirque, fête foraine et cabinet de curiosité, le lieu est reconnu pour être le temple de la danse à Bruxelles Venez rencontrer, échanger et vous amuser dans une ambiance chic, urbaine et décontractée. Venez découvrir l’univers rétro de Madame Moustache. *** Madame Moustache 5-7 Quai au Bois à Brûler, 1000 Brussels

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the **Grandview Heights Public Library** in **Conference Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. \*note change in location\* Grandview Heights library (1685 W 1st Ave, Columbus, OH 43212) Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!

Join us as we get together to see SIRAT, an Oscar-nominated Best International Film from Spain that follows a father, accompanied by his son, goes looking for his missing daughter in North Africa. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A father, accompanied by his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco while searching for his daughter who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. As their search continues, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. The film is directed by Oliver Laxe and stars Sergi Lopez, Bruno Nunez Arjona and Richard Bellamy. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-IXHXvS70 BUZZ & ACCLAIM: SIRAT has already won numerous awards, including 4 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, along with the Chicago, Montclair and Toronto International Film Festivals! It also earned a whopping 11 nominations at the 40th Goya Awards, including Best Film and Director, and was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is earning a stellar 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes which calls it “an unforgettable exercise in tension” and “a brutal reminder that the journey can be more important than the destination.” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will confirm/announce details as the date gets closer. Once showtime is confirmed, advance purchase (via GFC website preferred) is advised! Once you have your ticket, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.