Every year on July 21, Belgium celebrates a big National Day. This date was established in memory of the event that took place on July 21, 1931, when King Leopold I (Leopold of Saxe-Coburg) swore allegiance to the Fatherland and ascended the Belgian throne.
National Day celebrations are held throughout the country, however, the largest festivities take place in Brussels. The brightest official event of the holiday is the famous military parade (Grand Dance) on Palace Square. Before the start of the parade, at exactly 10 am, the King of Belgium addresses the people with a traditional festive message. In his speech, the monarch congratulates his subjects on the memorable date and calls on them to unite to preserve the integrity and greatness of the state.
After that, the most spectacular event of the holiday begins - a large military parade, which is watched by the king, members of the royal family, representatives of the country's political, military and business elite, authorized representatives of the European Union, as well as thousands of ordinary Belgians.
After the parade, the military gives way to musicians and dancers on the Palace Square. The streets of the city are filled with crowds of Belgians, who are holding the symbols of the state - black-yellow-red flags. Musical groups, dance and theater companies perform in the open air. A large art and craft fair is traditionally held on rue de la Regence. There you can not only buy various things and souvenirs, but also taste world famous Belgian food and drinks, such as the famous beer.
On National Day of Belgium, many state museums and historical sites are free to visit. The Royal Museum of Art and History, as well as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, open its doors to visitors. In addition to cultural institutions, the Parliament of Belgium and the Royal Palace are open for public visits. The final chord of the holiday is a beautiful fireworks that illuminates the night sky of Brussels from 23:00.
