Belgium’s National Day Celebrations Highlight Community Spirit
Belgium marks its National Day on 21 July, celebrated with a blend of military parades, local humor, live music, and communal meals in Brussels, reports 24brussels.
The festivities begin on the evening of 20 July with the Bal National, a vibrant public event transforming Vossenplein into a lively square filled with music and dance. This year’s performers include Lou B., Slongs Dievanongs, The Amazing Flowers, and DJ Daddy K, ensuring entertainment for all attendees.
The National Day commemoration continues on 21 July, featuring a full schedule of free public activities from the Royal Park to Place Poelaert. A significant highlight is Resto National, a large communal dinner taking place at Vossenplein starting at 17:00. Organizers plan to serve approximately 2,000 meals, offering choices of mussels and fries or traditional meatballs in tomato sauce, with participation costing just €1 to ensure accessibility for all, including lower-income residents.
Historical Significance of National Day
Belgium’s National Day celebrates the inauguration of Leopold I as the nation’s first constitutional monarch in 1831, following the Belgian Revolution that led to independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. After this revolutionary period, the Belgian National Congress opted for a monarchy, seeking stability and international recognition. On 4 June 1831, they chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as the King of the Belgians.
Leopold’s journey to his new kingdom began on 16 July 1831 when he left Dover bound for Calais. He traveled overland to De Panne and continued through cities like Bruges and Ghent until arriving in Brussels on 21 July. On that day, he took the constitutional oath before a large crowd in the Royal Square, establishing the foundation for the Belgian monarchy.
Contrary to popular belief, Belgium’s National Day does not mark the country’s declaration of independence but rather its transition into a constitutional monarchy. This distinction is crucial, reflecting Belgium’s complex political history and evolution.
