Thousands took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday to celebrate Belgium's National Day. From activities in the Parc de Bruxelles, a military parade and the day ending with a bang, photo opportunities abounded in the capital.
This year marked the 193rd anniversary of the swearing-in of Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who became the first king of the Belgians on 21 July 1831. It also marked King Philippe’s 11 years on the throne – he was sworn in on 21 July 2013.
Annual celebrations feature several official ceremonies, many involving the country's royal family and taking place in Brussels. The day starts with the traditional performance of the Catholic hymn of Te Deum in Brussels' St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral.
King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their four children, as well as several members of the acting government such as outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Home Affairs Minister Annelies Verlinden, ascended the cathedral steps at 09:45 to attend the religious service. The royal family also takes time to greet the crowd.
Princess Eleonore and Crown Princess Elisabeth greet the public after the Te Deum mass. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
In Parc de Bruxelles (beside the royal palace), various stands were set up to host workshops, sporting activities such as boxing and CrossFit, and even handing out free orange recycling bins.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Food stalls were also dotted across the park, serving up the best of Belgian cuisine – hot waffles and fries covered in mayonnaise – as well as much-needed refreshing drinks.
Parades taking over centres
In the afternoon, the streets between Botanique and the Palais Royal next to Parc de Bruxelles were closed to traffic and crowds of people lined the pavements to get a glimpse of the military and civilian parade, which started at 16:00.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Hundreds of soldiers (including veterans), motorised vehicles such as the new Jaguar, Griffon, Falcon and Caesar military vehicles, and some 26 aircraft, including six F-16s and a German H145 helicopter, were on show. The civilian parade included police, customs and Civil Security officers and firefighters.
Credit: Belga/Hatim Kaghat
People of all ages lined the streets and applauded as various groups of military officials, police officers and firefighters walked by in synch.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Besides showing the country's military capabilities it also pays homage to the country's history and its contributions to global peace and security. The Belgian military recently purchased 34 F-35 fighter jets from the US for €4 billion, which are set to be delivered this year. Several of the aircraft already owned by Belgium flew over the city at low height.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Belgium’s armed forces are relatively modest in size, with a total military personnel count of approximately 28,000 as of 2023. This includes 25,000 active duty members and 3,000 reserves.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
The royal family, again accompanied by several members of the acting government, watched from a stand constructed in front of the royal palace.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Evening party
Crowds dispersed from the city centre and re-grouped in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, where for the third consecutive year the City of Brussels organised a free concert and show. The closing event was attended by several members of the royal family and key politicians alongside 100,000 locals and visitors.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Ten Belgian artists took to the grand stage in the park to entertain the public, including Helmut Lotti (one of the three best-selling Belgian artists ever), Puggy, Reinel Bakole, Lost Frequencies, Sylvie Kreusch, Mustii (Belgium's Eurovision candidate) and Omdat Het Kan & Average Rob.
Singers Sylvie Kreusch, Helena Bailly and Belgian Eurovision candidate Mustii aka Thomas Mustin performed in the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
In addition to the fireworks, attendees could marvel at a laser and drone show. The full concert and show were also broadcast by VRT and RTBF.
Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
