Fries, fanfare and fireworks: Brussels gets ready to celebrate Belgium’s national day

The black, yellow and red colours of Belgium will be flying high this weekend as festivities mark the national day on Monday around the country.

In the capital, traditional celebrations include mussels and fries, military and folklore parades, live music and a spectacular firework display.

Here’s a round up of activities in Brussels that residents and visitors can enjoy. More information at #be2107 

National ball

Festivities kick off on Sunday 20 July in Place du Jeu de Balle at 19.00. The Marolles neighbourhood has traditionally hosted the public dance 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,” says event founder Frank Anthierens Anthierens.

Taking to the outdoor stage are warm-up act Upside Down, followed by musicians 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.

The audience is expected to join in the revelry, with the dance group Upside Down encouraging everyone to stretch their legs and tap their feet. A series of simple choreographies are designed to lead spectators in the collective dance.

National resto

On Monday 21 July, it is the Resto National that 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 (price €35; presale €32). Organisers are preparing some 2,000 meals, including 450 at a nominal price for the local disadvantaged population.

“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," says Brussels alderwoman for tourism and major events Delphine Houba.

On the entertainment front, spectators can enjoy local acts: Mignonnettes, Fietsorkest, Lazy Jack and Bruxelles Zingt karaoke.

Brussels park

The city-centre hosts activities all day on Monday from 10.00 to 20.00, including the Brussels Park, Place Poelaert, Mont des Arts and the Sablon. They include folklore parades, a Police Village in front of the Justice Palace and military stands in Place Royale. In the Sablon, a Security Village is set up by the Belgian interior ministry. In addition to soldiers, police and firefighters, there will also be stands by other federal government departments, all offering free trials and demonstrations. Many federal museums and institutions will be open for free during the day.

Meanwhile, the traditional civil, police and military parade begins at 16.00 in front of the royal palace. A highlight of the day, it sees processions march in front of the royal delegation, while a military flypast soars over the royal park and palace.

As part of the 80th anniversary of Belgium’s liberation, World War Two vehicles feature in the parade. Alongside these old-timers is the first appearance of a Griffon, the new armoured vehicle from the Mol Cy factory in Staden (West Flanders).

Cinquantenaire park

The national day celebrations continue on Monday with a ‘Belgian Party’ in Cinquantenaire Park, organised by the prime minister’s chancellery office.

Food trucks and bars welcome customers from 14.00 and DJs spin into action from 18.00. A concert follows at 21.00, featuring some 15 Belgian artists.

Once night falls, a multimedia show of lasers and drones lights up the skies above the park before the traditional fireworks display at 23.00.

It is recommended to arrive early to guarantee a spot. The park is only accessible via its main entrance.

Public transport

Noctis night buses will run exceptionally on Sunday 20 July for the National Ball, while Stib increases its services on Monday 21 July for the national day celebrations. The metro, as well as many tram and bus lines, will run later (until 1.00-1.30) and more frequently so that revellers in Cinquantenaire park can return home safely after the firework display. More information on stib-mivb.

Photo: ©Visit.brussels