Belgian national holiday: Mussel feast, dancing under the stars, park festivals and fireworks on 21 July

Already raised for the Red Devils’ World Cup campaign, Belgium will continue to fly its black, yellow and red flags in celebration of the country’s national holiday on 21 July.

From the traditional mussel feast and public dancing in the Marolles quarter, to ceremonial marching in front of the Royal Palace and city park festivals, the capital is set to party.

National Ball and National Resto

Kicking off literally the festivities in the capital is the traditional National Ball in the Marolles on 20 July.

Staged in Place du Jeu de Balle, the free and highly convivial event is now in its 23rd year with 15,000 people expected to join the revelry. Dance group Upside Down will be encouraging everyone to stretch their legs and tap their feet, leading a series of simple choreographies designed to lead spectators in the collective dance.

Spanish-Belgian singer Belle Pérez makes her debut appearance among the entertainers, which also includes a capella group Just Vox and DJs.

For the National Resto on 21 July, the big news from the organisers is that for the first time diners will tuck into Belgian mussels from the coastal town of Nieuwpoort. They will be accompanied by another local product, Pas de Soucis white wine from the Domaine Lez-Envies vineyard in the Hainaut village of Frasnes-lez-Anvaing.

Organisers are expecting to feed around 2,000 people. With the support of the Belgian National Lottery, an annual solidarity action enables 450 disadvantaged residents from the Marolles quarter to enjoy the occasion.

City centre celebrations

It is not only the Royal Park that hosts free events on 21 July from 8.00 to 20.00. Folklore parades and other activities are staged throughout the area, including in front of the Justice Palace, the Sablon, Mont des Arts, the Brussels Parliament and Rue de la Régence.

Activities include the Police Village in Place Poelaert 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 are open for free.

The European Village, the Former Gendarmes and public transport operator Stib will be set up in the Sablon, while several federal public services have stands on Rue de la Régence. The Royal Park also hosts the National Sports Day for children.

Meanwhile, the traditional civil 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.

At 18.30, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz are expected in the Sablon. Organisers have also announced the participation of the Gilles of Strépy-Bracquegnies, famous for their carnival traditions.

Cinquantenaire Park

The national holiday celebrations conclude as usual in Cinquantenaire Park at 21.00 with a spectacular concert. A laser show with drones and special effects follows, before the traditional fireworks display lights up the sky above the park and triumphal arches.

Photos: ©National Day ©visit.brussels - Eric Danhier; National Ball and National Resto ©City of Brussels