Brussels to celebrate national day with a guinguette, public dance and giant mussels and fries supper

Belgium’s national day will be celebrated in the capital with a guinguette open-air bar, a public ball and a giant mussels and fries supper on 20 and 21 July.

The programme for the upcoming national holiday was presented by the event’s founder Frank Anthierens and Brussels alderwoman for tourism and major events Delphine Houba.

Festivities kick off on Sunday 20 July at 19.00 in Place du Jeu de Balle. The Marolles neighbourhood has traditionally hosted the National Ball since 2003. “It's the most important event in Belgium because it proposes everything we have to offer: good humour, a warm welcome and is open to all,” underlined Anthierens.

Taking to the outdoor stage are warm-up act Upside Down, followed by Lou B., Slongs Dievanongs, Two Dots, Amazing Flowers and DJ Daddy K. Admission is free and local media outlet BX1 will broadcast the event live.

On Monday 21 July, the Resto National takes over the Marolles square. From 17.00 to 21.00, it will be serving mussels and fries and meatballs in a veggie tomato sauce. Organisers are preparing some 2,000 meals, including 450 at a nominal price for the most vulnerable.

“This year, we're making our mussels and fries even more accessible. Of the 450 meals available for €1, 100 of them will be distributed to nursing homes for the first time," said Houba.

On the entertainment front, the public can count on local acts: Mignonnettes, Fietsorkest, Lazy Jack and Bruxelles Zingt karaoke.

The national day celebrations continue on Monday throughout the city centre, concluding with Party in the Park concerts and fireworks in Cinquantenaire Park. All activities are free.

Photo: ©Visit.brussels