Why did July 21st become the Belgian National Day?
Every year, on July 21st, Belgium celebrates its national day with military parades and festivities in Brussels. While this date is now rooted in tradition, it was not always the day chosen to honor the country. Historically, Belgium underwent several changes before definitively setting this celebration in the middle of summer.
Originally, the national holiday was celebrated on different dates. After the country's independence in 1830, the government sought a symbolic moment to mark the birth of Belgium. For several decades, commemorations took place during the "September Days," in memory of the revolutionary battles of 1830 that liberated Brussels from Dutch troops.
However, in 1890, Parliament decided to change this date for political and practical reasons. The choice then fell on July 21st. This date corresponds to the day in 1831 when the first King of the Belgians, Leopold I, took his oath before the people. By choosing this moment, the authorities wanted to highlight the constitutional monarchy and the unity of the nation rather than the violence of the revolution.
For more than 130 years, July 21st has therefore become the official symbol of Belgian identity. Today, this day allows citizens to gather around common values. Despite the evolution of society, this date remains a key moment in the Belgian calendar, reminding everyone of the kingdom's founding history.