Belgium Independence Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Belgium

The annual celebration of Belgian Independence Day is held on July 21. It is one of Belgium’s 10 public holidays and commemorates the 1831 constitutional oath taken by the country’s first monarch, King Leopold I. This day also commemorates Belgium’s separation from the Netherlands and the establishment of the Kingdom. In keeping with the prevalent romantic nationalism of the time, it was determined that Belgium would become a constitutional and popular monarchy. In Belgium, the festivities take place at Place des Palais.

The background of Belgium Independence Day

Belgium had been a member of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands since 1815. The majority of the population was Roman Catholic and grew increasingly convinced that King William I’s authority favoured the Protestants of the north. High levels of unemployment in the South exacerbated the discontentment. Several uprisings in August 1830 demanded the secession of Belgium from the Netherlands.

After the independence on October 4, 1830, which was recognised by the London Conference of key European powers, the Belgian National Congress considered several candidates to become king, and after much debate, Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg was asked to become the country’s first monarch. He accepted the title and was proclaimed “King of the Belgians” on June 26, 1831.

Leopold I entered France from Dover to Calais on July 17, 1831, and was taken to the Belgian border town of De Panne. He travelled throughout the nation, visiting, among others, Bruges and Ghent. Then, on July 21, 1831, while standing on the Place Royale in Brussels, he took the constitutional oath and became the first monarch of Belgium. This day became a national holiday in Belgium. On this day, parks and venues throughout the city host concerts and other events. The chambers of Parliament, the central bank, and other institutions are accessible to the general public. In Brussels, a large military spectacle attracts more than 100,000 spectators.

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5 FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BELGIUM

Prior to the 1970s, pupils were served beer containing only 1% to 4% alcohol.

In March 2003, Belgium introduced electronic identification cards.

Their official languages are Dutch, French, and German, reflecting the influence of neighbouring countries.

The annual production of chocolate in Belgium is 220,000 tonnes, or 48 pounds per citizen.

Between June 2010 and December 2011, no majority could be formed for 589 days.

BELGIUM INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	July 21	Friday
2024	July 21	Sunday
2025	July 21	Monday
2026	July 21	Tuesday
2027	July 21	Wednesday