Public holiday in Belgium
Independence Day in Belgium
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Belgium’s Independence Day is the national day of the country and a public holiday observed nationwide on 21 July. It marks the anniversary of King Leopold I’s oath as Belgium’s first sovereign after independence.
About Independence Day in Belgium
In Belgium, Independence Day is the country’s national day and a nationwide public holiday. It is mainly a civic occasion rather than a day tied to family or religious observance, and it is used to recognise the Belgian state and monarchy. The holiday falls in midsummer and is one of the most visible national dates in the Belgian calendar.
History
Belgium became independent after the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The holiday commemorates 21 July 1831, when Leopold I swore the oath as King of the Belgians, an event that is treated as the symbolic beginning of the constitutional monarchy.
Traditions
The day is associated with official ceremonies, the wearing of national colours, and public displays of the Belgian flag. It is also a common occasion for patriotic symbols and for attending organised events connected with the monarchy and the state.
How Independence Day is celebrated in Belgium
In Brussels, the day typically includes an official military parade and public festivities. Fireworks are also commonly part of the evening programme in the capital, and similar civic events may take place elsewhere in the country.
Interesting facts
The holiday is sometimes referred to in English as Belgium’s National Day. It is one of Belgium’s nationwide public holidays and is not limited to a particular region.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 Jul 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.