Large-scale events return for Belgian National Day this year

After two years of restrictions due to COVID-19, the Belgian National Day on July 21 will again be celebrated with a big party in Brussels. This was announced on Monday by minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden and minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder at the presentation of the festivities. Various activities will take place such as the defile, fireworks and new initiatives like a national concert.

"There are many people who deserve to be celebrated," said Verlinden. "We are a country of heroes and they are being honoured." Among others, she refers to the volunteers who are still coming to the rescue a year after the floods in Wallonia and the people who are taking in Ukrainian refugees.

At 4 pm, the parade will start. "Homage will be paid to all the women and men who ensure the safety of our citizens on a daily basis", according to Verlinden. This year, civilians have also been invited to attend the parade, including fifty so called 'Be-Heroes', Belgians who make a big difference with small acts, but also Red Cross volunteers, among others.

In the Cinquantenaire Park, there will be a free concert called "Belgium Celebrates". From 9 pm onwards, a number of Belgian artists will perform. The festivities will be concluded with fireworks, which will be set off from the esplanade and arcades of the Cinquantenaire at 11 pm.

(TOM)

© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT