Belgium Independence Day

Belgium Independence Day

July 21

This public holiday, also known as the Belgium National Day, commemorates Belgium's independence from the Netherlands on July 21, 1831. Belgians had struggled against their rulers for 15 years. A revolt began in 1830, and the next year, the state of Belgium was formed and King Leopold I (1790-1865) was made its first king.
Belgians sing "La Brabançonne," the national anthem, and observe their independence with festivities, especially in the capital city of Brussels.

CONTACTS:
Belgian Federal Government Online
3330 Garfield St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-333-6900; fax: 202-338-4960
www.belgium.be

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 121
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 119

Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, Fourth Edition. © 2010 by Omnigraphics, Inc.