This Friday (27 September), children in French-speaking schools will stay home and events will be held throughout Brussels and Wallonia to mark French Community Day.
Also known as the Fête de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (Celebration of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation), the holiday celebrates the Belgian francophone community. To mark the occasion, all schools and administrations of the French-speaking Community will enjoy a holiday and various celebratory events will be organised in Brussels and Wallonia.
History
After 15 years under Dutch rule, tensions between the Dutch authorities and the Belgian population reached a breaking point in the summer of 1830. By 23 September, Prince Frederik, the second son of King William I of the Netherlands and his 14,000 soldiers were entrenched in the Parc de Bruxelles.
After several days of street fighting, the people of Brussels – with the help of Walloon volunteers – managed to prevent the Dutch from seizing control of Brussels again. A provisional government was declared in Brussels on 26 September, and overnight the Dutch troops finally retreated.
The revolution and resulting flight of the Dutch marked a decisive moment for Belgian independence. Belgium won its independence from the Dutch occupiers thanks to the cooperation of the people of Brussels and Wallonia.
For several decades, 27 September was Belgian National Day. This lasted until 1890 when it moved to 21 July: the date on which Leopold I was officially sworn in as the first King of the Belgians in 1831. From 1975, 27 September became a day to celebrate the French-speaking community.
What's happening in Brussels and Wallonia this weekend?
Various cinemas and event venues in Brussels and Wallonia will be hosting a programme of free events to highlight the francophone community's rich and varied talent and cultural heritage.
The main event of the day is undoubtedly the free concert held on the Grand Place on Friday. This year, big names in francophone Belgium and abroad will grace the stage in Brussels' city centre, such as Eurovision's Mustii, Oscar and the wolf, Clara Luciani, Henri PFR, Puggy and Iliona.
The concert will begin at 19:30 and access to the square will be closed off should it reach maximum capacity – so get there early!
Free concert held at Grand Place in Brussels on 27 September 2022 for French Community Day. Credit: Belga
A diverse line-up of artists will also be holding free concerts at venues in cities such as Liège, Namur, Louvain-la-Neuve and Charleroi, among others. As part of the broader programme, Ancienne Belgique is teaming up with Super Fourchette in Brussels to host experimental acts Edgar Déception and Capelo on Friday.
On Saturday, Belgian rap group Glauque joins electronic duo Kowari for a concert in Charleroi, one of many performances taking place throughout the weekend.
Cinephiles also have much to look forward to. Cultural centres and art-house cinemas in Brussels and Wallonia will open their doors to audiences for free screenings of a wide variety of Belgian films of all genres and formats. Find the full programme here.
