Flemish Community Day Celebrations Underway in Belgium
On July 11, the annual Day of the Flemish Community is being celebrated across Flanders, marked by a variety of festivities including music and dance performances., reports 24brussels.
This official public holiday in the Flemish Region of Belgium also sees informal celebrations in French Flanders. Numerous cities and municipalities are hosting public celebrations, concerts, and community events in honor of the day. Many households and local authorities are displaying the Flemish flag.
The festivities are highlighted by a free open-air concert titled ‘Vlaanderen Feest!’ at Antwerp’s central Grote Markt, featuring well-known artists such as Camille, Jelle Cleymans, Raymond van het Groenewoud, and Sam Gooris. The concert is broadcast live on the VRT 1 public TV channel.
Official Ceremony at Schoonselhof Cemetery
Earlier in the day, a formal ceremony took place at Schoonselhof cemetery, where significant figures from Flemish history are buried. This event included a commemorative service and the awarding of the Golden Spur award. Acting mayor Koen Kennis and Prime Minister Bart De Wever delivered speeches at the ceremony.
Additionally, the Ancienne Belgique concert hall in Brussels hosted the Brussel Danst Dance Battles for the fifth consecutive year, focusing on groove-based dance styles. A nearby street between Muntpunt and La Monnaie was also the site for a Roller Skate Jam.
Singalong in the Grand Place
In the evening, the Grand Place will feature the Singalong in Symphony event, with performances by renowned singers such as Ronny Mosuse, Stijn Meuris, and Loes Van den Heuvel, who will perform classic Flemish songs alongside international choirs and musicians. Audience participation is encouraged.
Over 200 events are scheduled throughout Flemish cities and towns, from Voeren in the east to De Panne on the coast, with full details available on event platforms.
The Day of the Flemish Community commemorates the historic Battle of the Golden Spurs, fought near Kortrijk on July 11, 1302, where the Flemish militia defeated a French cavalry force. The battle is named after the numerous golden spurs recovered from fallen French knights.
