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Get ready to celebrate Belgium Independence Day on July 21! This national holiday commemorates the country's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1831. It's a day filled with parades, concerts, and other festivities to honor the nation's history and culture. Did you know that Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate, waffles, and beer? So why not indulge in some tasty treats while celebrating this special day? Let's raise a glass (or a Belgian beer) to this vibrant and independent country!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1830</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Belgian Revolution Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Belgian Revolution erupts in August, with citizens revolting against Dutch rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1831</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Belgium Declares Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 21, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg accepts the Belgian throne, and Belgium officially declares its independence from the Netherlands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1840</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Belgium Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official celebration of the Belgium Independence Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>King Leopold III Abdicates</div><div class='timeline-text'>On the same day as Belgium's Independence Day, under pressure following WWII controversies, King Leopold III abdicates in favor of his son, Baudouin.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Belgian Congo Gains Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Marking important milestones, Belgium grants independence to Congo, its primary African colony, on June 30.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Albert II Succeeds Baudouin</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 31, King Baudouin passes away, and his brother Albert II takes the Belgian throne, with his inauguration celebrated alongside Independence Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in the festivities by attending a parade in honor of Belgium Independence Day. Enjoy the music, floats, and marching bands as they celebrate the country's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try Belgian cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Indulge in delicious Belgian dishes such as waffles, chocolate, and moules-frites (mussels and fries). Visit a local Belgian restaurant or try making some traditional dishes at home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore Belgian history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a museum or historical site to learn more about Belgium's history and culture. This is a great way to appreciate the significance of Independence Day and gain a deeper understanding of the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch fireworks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>End the day with a bang by watching a fireworks display in honor of Belgium Independence Day. Find a spot with a good view and enjoy the dazzling lights and colors.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local festivals or events celebrating Belgium Independence Day. This is a great way to experience the country's traditions, music, and food all in one place.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates the country's independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Belgium Independence Day celebrates the momentous occasion when the country declared its independence from the Netherlands in 1830. It is an important reminder of the struggle and sacrifices made by Belgian citizens to gain their freedom and create their own nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases Belgium's unique culture and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, Belgians come together to celebrate their national identity and rich cultural heritage. From delicious food and drinks, to traditional dances and music, Belgium Independence Day is a time to proudly display the country's distinct customs and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Belgium Independence Day is a unifying event that brings together people from different regions, backgrounds, and beliefs to celebrate as one nation. It instills a sense of pride and love for one's country, fostering stronger bonds among its citizens.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Belgium Independence Day coincides with the inauguration of the first Belgian King</h3><p class='facts-content'>The choice of July 21 as Belgium's National Day commemorated not just the country's independence, but also the inauguration of its first King, Leopold I, which occurred on the same day in 1831.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Day has been celebrated annually since its inception</h3><p class='facts-content'>From the inception of the national holiday in 1831 until today, Belgians have been gathering every year to celebrate their independence, making it a cherished tradition for almost two centuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Te Deum Thanksgiving service is a unique feature of Belgium's Independence Day celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Belgians attend a special Te Deum service in churches across the country. This thanksgiving service is not just for religious believers but for all citizens who wish to give thanks for their country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Belgian flag's colors and design are tied to the Revolution</h3><p class='facts-content'>The black, yellow, and red colors of the Belgian flag represent the colors of the Duchy of Brabant, a historical state in the Low Countries where the Belgium Revolution started.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Day is also an opportunity to acknowledge the monarchy's importance</h3><p class='facts-content'>The various royal events that occur on Independence Day, such as the monarch's military parade review and the public opening of the Royal Palace in Brussels, underscore the Belgium monarchy's central role in the country's national identity.</p></div></div>
Belgium Independence Day is celebrated on July 21 every year. In 2024, Belgium Independence Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jul 21
Friday
2024
Jul 21
Sunday
2025
Jul 21
Monday
2026
Jul 21
Tuesday
2027
Jul 21
Wednesday
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