Nestled within the German American ambiance of MainStrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky, is a piece of Belgian history known as Manneken Pis. This statue, depicting a young boy urinating, is a nod to the original 15th-century statue in Brussels. Although there is no deep historical connection between Germany and Belgium to explain its presence in MainStrasse Village, it exemplifies Covington’s quirky charm.
Belgian legend offers multiple stories about the origin of Manneken Pis. One tale involves a young boy who heroically urinated on fuses set by enemy troops during a siege, preventing disaster and earning a statue in his honor from the citizens of Brussels. Another story speaks of a wealthy merchant’s son found while relieving himself after going missing. A third version tells of a witch’s curse on a boy who urinated on her door.
Despite the varied tales surrounding its origins, Manneken Pis symbolizes the rebellious spirit of Brussels. Its presence in Covington aligns with this theme. Patrick Duffy, Covington Business Retention and Expansion Manager, stated: “Just how our own Manneken Pis statue wound up in MainStrasse comes with its fair share of stories too… We’re lucky to have him as part of Covington’s cultural landscape because it’s little quirks like this that give our city its unique character.”
The statue was brought to The Cov by Andrew Bettinghaus and John “Mick” Robbins. They ensure that it remains well-dressed according to seasonal attire at its location at 706 Main St., next to Kaleidoscope Stained Glass.
The Authenti-CITY awards were first introduced by Covington’s Economic Development team in 2021 as part of National Economic Development Week celebrations. These awards celebrate businesses, places, events, people, and organizations that embody authenticity within The Cov.
