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A guide to Ghent, Belgium's rebellious, unsung city Youthful and rebellious, Ghent is stepping out of Bruges’s shadow as a Belgian canal-side classic Belgian National Day (Dutch: Nationale feestdag van België; French: Fête nationale belge; German: Belgischer Nationalfeiertag) is the national holiday of Belgium commemorated annually on 21 July. It is one of the country's ten public holidays and marks the anniversary of the investiture of Leopold I as the first King of the Belgians in 1831. Get ready for the festivities on Belgium Independence Day, the celebration of a truly historic event. Belgian flags are flying left, right and centre as preparations begin for the country's National Day on 21 July. But what does Belgium celebrate on this day and how do they mark the occasion? 21 July this year falls on a Sunday but National Day is also a bank holiday, meaning that public services and most shops close their doors. Celebrate National Belgian Day with mouthwatering cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Belgium. The country’s airport officials announced on Friday that at least 30 percent of departing flights will be cancelled as part of what is being called the National Day of Action, in which some of the airport’s handlers and security staff have planned to participate. What is Belgian National Day 2025? Belgian National Day is an annual celebration that marks the inauguration of King Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians, which took place on July 21, 1831. This day is celebrated with various activities, including parades, fireworks, concerts, and public displays of the Belgian flag. How to Get Involved Participate in the celebrations by attending parades Do you want to know what the holidays in Belgium are? Read and know when is the best time to visit and enjoy Belgium's holiday celebrations. The National Day of Belgium is celebrated annually on July 21st. Independence Day celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, as well as the formal establishment of the Kingdom. Cultural Celebrations Belgium’s National Day is celebrated with a variety of cultural events, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. The day kicks off with a Te Deum service, followed by a grand military parade in Brussels. The parade showcases Belgium’s military prowess and pays tribute to its armed forces. In the evening, the sky over Brussels lights up with a spectacular fireworks Historical Significance of Belgian National Day Belgium gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. Leopold I was chosen as the king, representing a new era for the Belgian people. July 21 became a national holiday to honor this pivotal moment in Belgian history. The day represents unity and pride for Belgians of all Belgian National Day, celebrated annually on July 21, commemorates Belgium's political and cultural independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830. This significant day in Belgian history marks the swearing-in of King Leopold I, the country's first monarch, who pledged allegiance to the newly approved Belgian Constitution. Find your tickets for rail travel in Belgium with our planning tool. Book it online and avoid queueing in stations. It’s easy, fast and secure! Belgian National Day: here’s the full program for this year’s festivities! Belgium's national holiday is celebrated every year on July 21. Why do we celebrate this date? And what can we expect this year? National Day in Belgium is more than just a public holiday; it's a full-fledged celebration of Belgian heritage, unity, and pride. Whether you're immersed in the hustle and bustle of Brussels or enjoying the quaint charm of a smaller town, July 21 offers countless opportunities to celebrate with the Belgians in their national joy. For the Belgian National Day, you will not see a significant change in crowds compared to any other regular holiday, except for the immediate vicinity of the Royal Palace in Brussels. The Ghent Festivities are indeed taking place at that time. Significance of Belgium National Day Belgium National Day is a moment of national pride and unity for the Belgian people. It serves as a reminder of the country’s history, struggles for independence, and its evolution as a sovereign nation. The day fosters a sense of belonging and patriotism among Belgians and strengthens their national identity. The city centre will be the setting for the Ghent Festivities from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 July. Click here for all information about the accessibility during (the construction and disassembly of) the festival. Belgian National Day in Belgium may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that. Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Belgian National Day in Belgium and why people celebrate or observe it.
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