Why do we celebrate the Belgian National Day on July 21? An exhibition on the origin of the National Day is organized within the Parliament, which is open to the public.
Why is the Belgian National Day on July 21 in Belgium? An exhibition on the origin of this holiday is organized in Parliament. It is open to the public. We also asked the question to visitors who took the green staircase that leads to the House of Representatives. “Is it because of a revolution that took place on July 21?”launches one of them.
The answer ? The date of the National Day refers to July 21, 1831, the day of the swearing in of the first King of the Belgians, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It was on the steps of the Saint-Jacques church in the Place Royale.
This oath marked the creation of an independent Belgium under the regime of a Constitutional Monarchy. Please note, however, it was not until 1890 that the date was really set at 21 July, with the Belgian flag displayed everywhere, various festivities – including the famous fireworks display.
Why a black, yellow and red flag?
The exhibition in the Parliament also teaches us why the Belgian flag is black, yellow and red. The answer ? These are the three colors of the shield of the former Duchy of Brabant. A gold Lion on a black background with red claws.
