National Day of Belgium: History, Flag, Symbol, Motto, Celebrations, Wishes, Status, SMS, and more to know.
Belgium, a country in northwest Europe, is one of the smallest and most densely populated European countries and has been, since independence in 1830, a representative democracy headed by a hereditary constitutional monarch. In Belgium, Belgian National Day observes on 21 July every year to commemorate the oath of Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.
A national day is a designated day celebrating the national identity of a state or non-sovereign nation. Learn the history of Belgian National Day, its celebrations, flag, symbol, and all you need to know with this complete article in 15 minutes or less.
Belgium National Day 2024
Most countries celebrate a national day on a fixed date, but some countries have variable dates. Belgian National Day (Dutch: Nationale Festdag van België ë; French: Belge around the World; German: Belgischer Nationalfiertag) is a national holiday in Belgium celebrated annually on July 21. It is one of the Belgian ten public holidays and marks the anniversary of the investiture of King Leopold I, the country's first monarch, in 1831.
History of Belgian National Day
After the Napoleonic Wars, Belgium became part of the United Netherlands. After increasing unrest, the Belgian Revolution forced Dutch forces out of the territory between August and October 1830. By November, many revolutionary parties had unified the idea of national independence and began to draft a constitution for a sovereign Belgian state. It was agreed that it would be a constitutional and distinguished monarchy, expressing the romantic nationalism famous at the time.
In search of a king, the revolutionaries decided on Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha who was a German aristocrat in the United Kingdom. Leopold arrived in Brussels in early July 1831 and on 21 July, swearing allegiance to the constitution became the country's first king. 21 July 1831 is thus considered the beginning of the modern Kingdom of Belgium.
Belgium's national day was initially commemorated on 27 September, the date of the eviction of Dutch forces from Brussels during the "September Days" of the Revolution. In 1890, it was shifted by law to July 21 to strengthen the alliance between the monarchy and the constitutional order. During World War I and World War II, Belgium was colonized and public exhibitions of nationalism were restricted. Thus, July 21 celebrations became a popular form of symbolic obstruction.
National Flag of Belgium
The national flag of Belgium is a tricolour comprised of three equal vertical bands displaying the national colours of Belgium. The colours are black, yellow and red. The colours were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant and the vertical design may have been based on the flag of France. The flag's official proportion of 13:15 is hardly seen; a proportion of 2:3 or equivalent is more familiar.
National Symbols of Belgium
The national symbols or emblems of Belgium are the symbols used to represent the Kingdom of Belgium. Article 193 of the Belgian Constitution is devoted to specifying the national flag, colours, coat of arms, and motto. It states the following: "The Belgian nation adopts red, yellow, and black as its colours, and the Belgian lion as the state coat of arms builds strength with the principle of unity."
How do Belgians celebrate National Day?
Belgian National Day is celebrated on 21 July throughout Belgium and in Belgian emigrant groups abroad. It is one of ten nationally observed public holidays each year. Generally, National Day is marked by a televised address by the King.
The main festival takes place in Brussels. They traditionally commence with a Te Deum at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, which is attended by the King and other VIPs. In the afternoon, the Belgian Armed Forces and Police are evaluated by the King and march around the perimeter of Brussels Park in front of the Rue de la Loi and the Royal Palace. Foreign delegations from Belgium's European Union and NATO allies also take part.
Belgian public and emergency services, the armed troops, charities, and civic alliances set up refreshments and exhibitions for the public in the park and nearby Place Royale, Rue de la Regence, and Place Pollard. A flypast exhibition by the Belgian Air Force also occurs. A fireworks show is attached in the evening. There has also been a concert known as the "National Ball" (bal Nationale) since 2003.
Among other celebrations, festivals often include church benefactions, flea markets, and public concerts. Belgian flags are displayed in stores and private residences. Belgian weather means heavy rain on National Day and is known in French as the "National Downpour" (drache Nationale).
Happy Belgian National Day 2022 Wishes
Below, we've gathered best wishes for this day. Simply copy and wish your friends, family, and loved ones -
- Celebrate today's tribute to those who fought for our freedom and future. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Let us honour and respect every patriot without whom independence would not have been attained. What they have done for the sake of our soil, we can never repay. Happy Belgian National Day!
- True freedom and liberty can lie in doing what is right for us. Happy Belgium National Day!
- Warm greetings on the great occasion of Belgium's National Day!
- On this Belgium Day, let us pledge to preserve the peace and unity of our great nation. Happy Belgian National Day!
- In the most logical sense, independence cannot be delivered; It has to be earned. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Our flag flies not because the wind blows it away, it flies with the last breath of every soldier who died defending it. Happy Belgian National Day!
Belgian National Day Status
The national day of Belgium is symbolised by the date of independence. Below is a list of greeting statuses you can easily copy and post on social media -
- To be free is not only to tear off one's chains but to live in a way that respects the freedom of others. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Keep the Belgian consciousness and spirit alive by honouring and respecting this special occasion like Belgium's National Day.
- It's an enormous feeling to be Belgian, let's spread happiness all over. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Don't take your independence and sovereignty for granted, and someone had to work hard and make a lot of sacrifices for it. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Strength does not come from physical ability, but it comes from unbeatable willpower. Happy Belgian National Day!
- Yes, indeed, heroes never die. They live forever in the hearts and minds of patriot people like them who follow in their footsteps. Happy Belgian National Day!
Belgian National Day SMS
SMS is a classic way to send messages to loved ones on any occasion. Thus, we've added a few SMSs to help you out -
- To be free is not only to tear off one's chains but to live that way respecting the freedom of others. Happy Belgian National Day!
- In celebration of Belgium's National Day freedom is nothing, but an opportunity to be better. Happy Belgian National Day!
- You might have known that to bring changes you must change your way of seeing the world.
- May our flag engage you in strength, endurance, vitality, peace, and growth. Happy Belgian National Day!
- We all should be proud of our loved nation, and we all must strive to make Belgium enthusiastic, vigorous, and thoroughly the best it can be.
- Freedom in mind, faith in words, let's salute the country on Belgium's National Day.
- We must be free because we do not claim freedom, but we practice it. Happy Belgian National Day!
Belgian National Day Quotes 2022
If you are a Belgian and searching for the best quotes about Belgium's National Day then you're in the right spot. We brought here the best quotes that may help you -
“Belgians is the homeland of equality, justice, and tolerance.” – Kim Campbell
“Belgians pride may not rest on our sleeves, but it resides deeply in our hearts.” – Steve Miller
“Our hopes are high. Our faith in people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for this beautiful country will never die.” – Pierre Trudeau
"Let’s celebrate today by paying tribute to those who fought for our freedom and future." – Unknown
"Let us honour every patriot without whom freedom would not have existed. what they did, we can never repay." – Unknown
"In the most real sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be won." – Unknown
"United we stand, divided we fall; Union is a strength." – Belgium Proverb
"He who does not wish for little things does not deserve big things." –, Belgium Proverb
In conclusion, we can say that the Belgian national day says the history of the independence of the Belgians. So, we should never forget. Thousands laid down their lives so that Belgians can live freely. So this day we should remember them and their sacrifices.