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21st July - Belgian National Day

Belgian National Day is the National Day of Belgium celebrated on 21 July each year, representing one of twelve public holidays in Belgium.

The festival's formal establishment dates to an event on 21 July 1831 in which Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg swore allegiance to the new Belgian constitution, thus becoming the first King of Belgians. The king's vow marked the start of the independent state of Belgium under a constitutional monarchy and parliament.
 

Celebrations begin on the evening of 20 July with a concert and ball, but the bulk of the events will take place on Tuesday 21 July. The day typically starts with a Catholic Te Deum service in Cathedral of Brussels attended by the King and other dignitaries. The afternoon is devoted to a military and civil parade. Parc de Bruxelles meanwhile hosts the festival that includes numerous free events and entertainment. Many notable buildings in Brussels that are usually closed are also open to the public on National Day. The complement to the National Ball held the previous evening is the 4th edition of the National Resto Dinner that sets up tables on Place du Jeu de Balle for a feast of mussels and French fries. In the evening a large fireworks in the Parc de Bruxelles bring the festivities to a close.