The Manneken Pis ("Pissing Boy") Fountain is the most famous and promoted landmark in Brussels. It is located near Grand Place. This miniature fountain sculpture of a peeing boy was originally made of stone, then, thanks to the court master Jérôme Duquesnoy in 1619 and became bronze.
The 61 cm tall figurine, named "Little Julian", has a huge wardrobe of over 800 outfits. All of them are kept in the Royal museum. A list of costume changes is posted monthly by the non-profit organisation "Friends of the Pissing Boy. The costume change, a tradition that dates back to 1698 thanks to the ruler of Bavaria, takes place to the music of the Brass Band.
According to legend, it was just such a little boy who saved the city from a fire. However, for true Brussels residents, “Mannequin Piece” is the personification of the free spirit of the city and embodies the cheerful folk humor, which is why its image is found everywhere in the Belgian capital.
The "Pissing Boy" also serves as the main Brussels calendar. Brussels calendar, which, depending on the attire of the sculpture, informs locals of various city events and activities. If the boy is naked, there is nothing interesting going on in Brussels, if he is wearing a Father Christmas costume, it is time to prepare for Christmas.
