National Day: When and why did Belgium chose on July 21?

The Belgian national holiday. However, celebrated every July 21, actually commemorates the inauguration of King Leopold I in 1831, and not the independence of 1830. Meanwhile, “It happened one day” offers you a return to the history of this date.

Unlike a widespread idea, the Belgian national holiday did not commemorate the independence of 1830. Consequently, As Vincent Dujardin. Therefore, professor of contemporary history at the UClouvain, reminds us, “The date of July 21 does not refer to the independence of Belgium, but to another event which takes place a year after: the oath of King Leopold I”. Meanwhile, It was not until 1890 that this date officially became the day of the national holiday. However, during the reign of Leopold II, who wanted national day: when why did to refocus the national holiday around the king’s person.

National holiday has experienced other dates – National day: when why did

The national holiday has not always been set for July 21. At first, the Belgians commemorated “the days of September 1830, independence, victory against the Netherlands”, explains Vincent Dujardin. Thanks to a desire to appease with the neighboring Netherlands. the party then took place at the end of August, before Léopold II decided to anchor it definitively on July 21, in homage to Léopold I. “We changed from national day: when why did August to July 21 too because it’s summer and it’s a good time to party,” adds the historian.

Why a constitutional monarchy, and not a Republic?

At the time of independence. a wind of freedom was blowing hard, “but we choose a monarchy because we are surrounded by monarchies and we had to recognize the independence of Belgium”, analyzes Vincent Dujardin. According to a formula that hit the bull’s eye during the national congress: “As a monarchy. you will be a power. Like Republic, you will be a scarecrow. “The vote was” very. very, very largely in the majority “in favor of the monarchy,” a choice of reason more than a choice of heart for many “, specifies the historian. national day: when why did The constitutional monarchy thus allowed Belgium to anchor itself permanently in the concert of nations.

The evolution of symbolism. traditions of July 21

Over the years, the national holiday has been adorned with traditions which reflect the history of the country and the evolution of society. If. in 1831, the Te Deum was a prayer of requests and thanks for the king, this ceremony evolved towards an ecumenical ceremony. As for the military parade. originally, it was a question of spreading its military power and recalling that Belgium was capable of defending itself. But after the Second World War. this national day: when why did dimension was nuanced, the parade also becoming a tribute to the soldiers, the veterans, “to those who, at the risk of their lives, defend our security, our interests, our values”, underlines the historian. Today. the national holiday covers different dimensions: it is both a moment of commemoration, a popular encounter and a symbol of the renewal of the link between the Belgian people and its monarchy.

It happened one day