21 July is Belgium's birthday, and you can be sure we’ll be celebrating in style! Festivities take place across the country, and in the capital the tricolour flies proudly and the streets are awash in a blaze of black, yellow and red. Time for an overview of the best activities to celebrate and experience Belgium!
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
On the programme
Bal National kicks off the festivities on the eve of the national holiday. Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles is transformed into a giant popular street party, completely free of charge. You can sing along loudly to Belgian classics and joke and laugh into the early hours.
The following day, the celebrations continue unabated! Throughout the day, numerous activities, performances and demonstrations take place, from the Palace of Justice all the way to Parliament. There's the military and civilian parade, the Defence and Police village, the children’s sports day in the Brussels Park, and many other stands.
All that exuberant celebration is bound to work up an appetite: what better moment for a serving of mussels and chips at the long communal tables of the lively Resto National, on place du Jeu de Balle.
And as if that weren’t enough, in the evening you’ll be treated to concerts and a spectacular show featuring fireworks, lasers, and drones at Cinquantenaire Park!
© visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy
Royal Brussels, monarchy and majesty
We sometimes forget that Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch reigns but does not govern. Since our country gained its independence, the monarchy has left its mark on Brussels and continues to shape the city's royal character to this day. Join us on a prestigious journey to discover the capital's royal heritage...
Experience Belgium to the fullest
Every summer, you can admire the primary place of work of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. This year, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public from 3 July to 16 August. You can wander through its grand halls, historic rooms, the prestigious Throne Room, and parts of the palace normally used only for official receptions.
Less opulent but no less important is the typically Brussels tradition of planting the Meyboom. This must be planted every year on 9 August at the intersection of rue des Sables - Zandstraat and rue du Marais - Broakstraat. According to legend, the tradition dates back to 1213, when Brussels achieved a victory over Leuven. The event is celebrated annually with a procession, giants, brass bands, and a generous dose of Brussels “zwanze” humour.
The Flower Carpet has also firmly secured its place on the biennial folklore calendar. The Grand-Place is transformed with a carpet of around half a million flowers: a spectacular visual display, especially when viewed from the balcony of Town Hall. Each edition has a different theme. This year’s event focuses on the bond between Japan and Belgium, with a design inspired by Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Last but not least, a visit to the Foire du Midi (Midi Fair) is a must. It is one of the largest urban funfairs in Europe, featuring roller coasters, classic games, and food stalls. Yound and old alike, get set for some fun in a typically Belgian atmosphere!
