Belgium celebrates its National Day in Brussels with dancing, mussels and 'frites'
Belgium celebrates its National Day on 21 July. This is not just marked by a traditional military parade, but also by a distinctly local mix of humour, live music and shared meals in the streets of Brussels.
On Sunday 20 July, the day before, the Bal National will transform the Vossenplein in Brussels into a vibrant square filled with music, dancing and comedy. Having become an annual tradition, this free event is open to all. This year's line-up features Lou B., Slongs Dievanongs, The Amazing Flowers and DJ Daddy K.
Bal National 2024 © BELGA VIDEO LOU LAMPAERT
Resto National
The celebrations continue on 21 July with a full day of free public events stretching from the Royal Park to the Place Poelaert. One of the day's highlights is Resto National, a large-scale communal dinner taking place on the Vossenplein from 17 h. During the event, the organisers will serve around 2,000 meals, offering guests a choice of either mussels and frites or traditional meatballs in tomato sauce. Importantly, the event is open to all residents, including those on lower incomes. Participation costs just €1.
Belgium’s National Day commemorates the inauguration of Leopold I as the country’s first constitutional monarch in 1831, after the Belgian Revolution the previous year. Having gained independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Belgian National Congress opted for a monarchy in order to secure stability and international recognition. On 4 June 1831, they elected Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as King of the Belgians.
Foundation Belgian monarchy
Leopold's journey to Belgium began on 16 July 1831, when he boarded a boat in Dover bound for Calais. He then travelled by carriage to the Belgian border town of De Panne and onward through cities such as Bruges and Ghent. On 21 July, he arrived in Brussels, where he took the constitutional oath in front of the crowds gathered in the Royal Square. This event laid the foundation for the Belgian monarchy.
Contrary to popular belief, Belgium’s National Day does not commemorate the country's declaration of independence. Instead, it marks its transformation into a constitutional monarchy. This subtle distinction reflects the country's complex and pragmatic political origins.
© DUTCH PRESS PHOTO
Related News
