Every year on July 21, black-yellow-red flags wave proudly across the country. A military parade in Brussels, local festivities, and fireworks make Belgium’s National Day one of the highlights of the year. But why this specific date? Why not the day of independence itself? Let’s dive into a bit of history… along with a few ideas of places to visit to better understand this symbol.
Contrary to what one might think, July 21 does not correspond to the date of Belgium’s independence. Independence was actually proclaimed much earlier, on October 4, 1830, following a popular uprising against the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, this is not the date chosen by the authorities to celebrate the National Day.
The chosen date actually refers to a symbolic and political event: the oath of Belgium’s first king, Leopold I. On July 21, 1831, he swore allegiance to the Belgian Constitution, officially marking the beginning of the constitutional monarchy and the country’s independence as recognized by the European powers. This founding act represents Belgium’s entry onto the international stage as a sovereign state.
Choosing the king’s enthronement date rather than the day of the uprising also highlights national unity, embodied by the monarchy. Leopold I was not Belgian by birth, but his commitment to the new nation became a cornerstone of his legitimacy. Even today, the Belgian monarchy remains a symbol of unity in a country often divided between regions.
October 4, 1830, remains an important date in history books, but it was never made the official National Day. It represents the violent uprising of the Belgian people, which could seem less unifying in the long term. By choosing July 21, the founders of the country preferred a more consensual date, one that looked toward the future rather than the tensions of the past.
In Brussels, July 21 is marked by an impressive military parade on the Place des Palais, attended by the king, the queen, and many political figures. Brussels Park hosts family activities, while fireworks light up the sky in the evening.
For those curious to explore this period marking the birth of Belgium:
The choice of July 21 has not been without criticism. Some believe that this date overshadows the true popular origins of Belgian independence. Others regret that the celebration feels too institutional. These debates serve as a reminder that history is also a matter of symbols, and that every official date conveys a particular vision of the past.
Belgium is a complex country—young on a European scale, yet already rich in defining events. If you’d like a deeper analysis of the symbolism behind this date, a complementary explanation is available here, offering a perspective more focused on the political context of the time.