In Belgium, the Day of the French Community is celebrated annually on September 27. This day is the culmination of the struggle of the Belgian population against the Dutch occupation. The holiday is celebrated by the entire French-speaking population - the Walloons.
The revolution in Belgium began on August 25, 1820, when a production of Daniel François Esprit's opera "The Mute of Portici" was published. She talked about the uprising of the Neapolitan fishermen against the Spaniards. Her patriotic and sentimental tunes so touched the hearts of the audience that they led to the capture of the government building by an angry mob.
As the rebellion spread throughout Belgium, the Dutch were unable to maintain control of the rebellious country. The uprising could not be stopped, and on September 26, Belgium was declared an independent state.
The day of September 27 is a reminder to French-speaking Belgians that their ancestors on that day defended their independence and freedom for themselves and their children. This date is an opportunity to express pride in belonging to a community capable of fighting for its rights and interests.
The main events of the Day of the French Community in Belgium take place in cities such as Mons, Brussels, Namur, Charleroi, Liege and in other small towns of Wallonia (five southern provinces of Belgium).
On French Community Day, all schools and other government institutions throughout Wallonia are closed, entertainment events from September 25 to 29 can be selected for any age and taste.
Historical costumed performances are held on the streets of cities, and celebrations are held in all the parks of Wallonia. The program of events includes concerts and performances for adults and children, mass sports events, film screenings. All activities are generally free for both indigenous people and tourists.
Traditionally, since 1975, one of the cities in the French-speaking part of Belgium has been elected by the parliament and the government responsible for holding events organized to celebrate the Day of the French Community in Belgium. In 2012, the city of La Louviere was chosen as such a center.
