A lot of cities will organize a special event for July 21. Remain vigilant and do not forget to maintain situational awareness at all times.(Courtesy photo)
Celebrating Belgium’s National Day
CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- On July 21, Belgium celebrates an important day in its history. Belgian National Day commemorates an event that occurred July 21, 1831. Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg swore allegiance to the new Belgian Constitution and became the first King of the Belgians.
The king's vow marked the start of the independent state of Belgium under a constitutional monarchy and parliament.
In 1830, drawing inspiration from the recent July Revolution in France, the southern provinces of the United Netherlands rebelled against Dutch rule after a period of growing economic and religious disparity. The Dutch were forced out of the area, Belgium gained independence and a National Congress was created to write a Constitution for the new state, which explains why the king was only sworn in 1831.
July 21 is a day of national pride for Belgians who celebrate this public holiday with concerts, parties, fireworks and other festive events.
A lot of places will be closed July 21 including post offices, banks, pharmacies, administrative services and stores. Some supermarkets will be open in the morning only.
Because the holiday occurs on a Sunday, SHAPE will observe the holiday on the following Monday on July 22.
July 21 events will attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and do not forget to maintain situational awareness at all times.
IMPORTANT EVENTS:
A lot of cities will organize a special event for July 21. Here are some examples:
• July 20: National Ball in Brussels: On the eve of National Day, the National Ball is a must-see event in Brussels. The public can listen to music and dance the night away. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. with live music. “Le Grand Jojo” will perform at 9:40 p.m. Festivities will be held on Place du Jeu de Balle, a well-known square in the district of the Marolles. There is no entrance fee. For more information, visit www.balnational.be.
• July 20: Activities, Ball and Fireworks in Mons: There will be activities near the bell tower from noon to 5 p.m. in addition to food and drinks, concerts and DJ sets from 5:15 p.m. to 1 a.m. A ball will be held on the Grand Place starting at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.mons.be.
• July 21: Te Deum and Activities in Mons: After the ceremony held at Square Saint-Germain at 10:20 a.m., the Hainaut Province governor will host a Te Deum at 11 a.m., at Saint Waudru Collegiate Church. Te Deum is a Christian hymn of praise to God that Belgium uses on every Independence Day to mark the importance of the nation. People sing the national anthem in every major Belgian city on July 21. For more information, visit www.mons.be/ceremonie-de-fete-nationale.
• July 21: Parades, Concerts and Fireworks in Brussels: On Sunday starting at 10 a.m., a big popular fest between the Royal Park and Place Poelaert will be held in honor of the National Day. Numerous activities and free parades will take place, including the military and civilian parades, sports, concerts, performances, military tanks and aircraft display, activities for children, and more. The National Day will culminate with fireworks at 11 p.m. Visitors are welcome at Place Royale and Rue Royale. For more information, visit https://2107.be.
• July 21: Belgium’s National Day in Jurbise: There will be many activities from Sunday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 2 a.m. The celebration will start with a volksmarch at Parc Communal on Rue du Moustier, 8. There will be food trucks, a contest, breakdance, shows, fireworks (held at midnight) and more. For more information, visit www.jurbise.be.
By Christophe Morel. USAG Benelux Public Affairs