All Day
On 21 July, 1831, Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg, first King of the Belgians, swore allegiance to the Belgian constitution in the Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg church in central Brussels.
Traditionally, the National Day festivities begin on July 20 on Place du Jeu de Balle with National Ball. On 21 July, the day begins with a Te Deum in St Gudule and St Michael’s Cathedral. The Royal Park hosts a range of activities for all the family, with treasure hunts, concerts and stands from every region in the country. Many institutions, churches and other buildings open their doors, such as the Palace of Justice, the House of Representatives and the Senate. A parade featuring giant Baudouin and other giants is followed by the military and civilian parades on the Place des Palais and an impressive (noisy) fly-past of all manner of aircraft. Before midnight, a firework display closes the day’s festivities.
Various venues in Brussels, Brussels
