Belgian National Day: History and Traditions
Belgium celebrates National Day on 21 July, the anniversary of Leopold I’s constitutional oath as the first King of the Belgians in 1831.[1] It is one of the country’s ten statutory public holidays, with employment and substitute-day rules that affect workers across Belgium.[2]
Why Belgium celebrates on 21 July
Belgium’s National Day commemorates the oath Leopold I took on 21 July 1831. The date became the national celebration through a law of 27 May 1890, linking the holiday to the constitutional order and the country’s first king.[1][3]
Belgium had earlier marked the anniversary of the September 1830 events with popular festivities. The 1890 law moved the National Day to 21 July, and the first celebration on that date took place in 1890. The military and civilian parade became fixed to 21 July in 1905.[3]
A nationwide public holiday
The National Day is one of Belgium’s ten statutory public holidays. In principle, employees may not be required to work on it, and the holiday is paid; exceptions allow some work, with compensatory rest due under the applicable rules.[2]
If 21 July falls on a Sunday or on a day when the workplace is ordinarily inactive, such as Saturday in some workplaces, the employer must arrange a substitute rest day on a normal working day. The date is set through the relevant workplace or sector process, so there is no single replacement date that applies to every employee.[2]
Ceremonies and public events
National Day celebrations often include a military and civilian parade in Brussels in front of the Royal Palace, a public celebration in Brussels Park and fireworks. The Royal Household describes these as established parts of the day, though programmes and locations can vary.[4]
Belgium’s National Day can also include community events and food. The Royal Household has described a Brussels gathering featuring moules-frites, or mussels and fries, as a festive meal open to people with limited means for a symbolic price. Treat it as one example of local programming rather than a custom observed everywhere in Belgium.[5]
Regional identities and practical effects
Belgium’s Communities and Regions have their own feast days, separate from the nationwide National Day. Examples include the Flemish Community’s 11 July feast day, the French Community’s 27 September feast day and the German-speaking Community’s 15 November feast day.[1]
Bank branches close on National Day, while digital banking remains available, according to Febelfin’s published calendars and guidance.[6] Rail services may use a Sunday timetable on public holidays; the Belgian rail operator advises passengers to check the journey planner for their trip.[7] Retail openings vary: the FPS Economy says most shops may open seven days a week, subject to exceptions, and hospitality services are outside the general retail opening-hours rules. Check with individual businesses for their holiday hours.[8]
Frequently asked questions
When is Belgian National Day?
It is celebrated every year on 21 July, commemorating Leopold I’s constitutional oath in 1831.[1]
Is National Day a day off work?
It is a statutory public holiday. In principle, employees may not be required to work, although exemptions apply and some employees may receive compensatory rest if they work.[2]
Is there a substitute day when 21 July falls on a weekend?
A substitute rest day is required when the date coincides with Sunday or an ordinary inactive day at the workplace. The replacement date depends on the applicable workplace or sector arrangement.[2]
Are banks and shops open?
Does public transport run normally?
Rail services may follow a Sunday timetable on public holidays. Check the Belgian rail operator’s journey planner for the schedule that applies to your trip.[7]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Holiday in Belgium:
- National Day and feast days of Communities and Regions- Belgium.be
- Public holidays- Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue
- Dates importantes- The Belgian Monarchy
- Symboles- The Belgian Monarchy
- Fête nationale- The Belgian Monarchy
- When are the bank branches closed?- Febelfin
- Periodes met aanpassingen van het treinaanbod- SNCB-NMBS
- Closing times and weekly rest day for retail trade- Federal Public Service Economy