Belgium: National Day 2024 in Brussels

Belgium's National Day is celebrated on July 21st. Be sure not to miss the Park Festival, the military and civil parade, the concerts, and the fireworks. During this event, you can also explore the Belgian capital on foot with our three Tootwalk routes, which are available through the Tootbus app

Why is the Belgian National Day celebrated on July 21st?

Belgian National Day commemorates the oath taken by the first King of the Belgians, Leopold I, on 21 July 1831.

The country became a constitutional monarchy after gaining independence following the Belgian Revolution of 1830 against the Netherlands. The Congress chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as the first King of the Belgians on June 4, 1831.

The new king took the oath on July 21, 1831, at the Church of Saint James on Coudenberg. He swore allegiance to the Belgian Constitution, which had been drafted by the National Congress and recognized on February 7, 1831, as well as to Belgian laws.

On May 27, 1890, a law was enacted to establish July 21 as the Belgian National Day. This celebration offers the opportunity to display the Belgian flag on public buildings. Te

What are the festivities on July 21st?

The Belgian National Day is celebrated throughout the country with lively festivities. Public buildings are adorned with flags in honor of the National Day, and the day is marked by various popular celebrations such as lantern-lit balls, fireworks, and shows.

In Brussels, the entirely free event offers the following program:

Te Deum

Park Festival

Military and Civil Parade

Concert and Fireworks

Te Deum

The celebrations begin at 10 a.m. with a Te Deum at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula in Brussels. Their Majesties the King and Queen, Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore will be present.

Park festival

Starting at 10 a.m., a large festival takes place in Brussels Park, formerly called Royal Park, and its surroundings. Free activities are organized all around the park.

Military and Civil Parade

At 4 p.m., the military and civil parade begins near the Royal Palace of Brussels, on the Place des Palais.

Concert and fireworks

From 9 p.m., a large free concert is held in the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. Many Belgian artists will perform. Food trucks and bars are set up in the park.