This Friday marks 21 July, Belgium's National Day, which will see public services close their doors, most people getting a day off but most importantly, large-scale festivities taking place in the country's capital.
Like every year, the streets of Brussels will be coloured black-yellow-red as people don the Belgian flag to celebrate the country's independence day. The celebration this year is dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the reign of King Philippe. As previously announced, access to the permanent collections of Belgium's federal museums will be free from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July in his honour.
Meanwhile, the events for young and old traditionally associated with the national holiday will also take place across the city, from Parc de Bruxelles, Place du Palais and Place Royale to Place des Museums, Rue de la Régence, Petit and Grand Sablon all the way to Place Poelaert. Find the full programme with all the free activities in Brussels below.
Throughout the day
Those looking to start their day early can make their way to the Parc de Bruxelles near the central Royal Palace, which will be transformed into a sports village, where the "National Sports Day" will be organised for the second year in a row.
From 10:00 until 20:00, Brussels sports clubs will organise free workshops allowing people to try their hand at traditional sports such as rugby, volleyball, badminton, petanque and various dances to more unique activities including troll ball, capoeira, speed tennis, E-sports, Cyclodancing and much more.
The Prince Laurent Foundation will set up a stand in the park, organising a treasure hunt, a tombola, children's make-up and drawing corners to keep the youngest entertained. Midnight Port, a Belgian funky blues band from Wallonia, will take to the stage of the park's Kiosk at 13:00
Prince Philippe takes the oath as King of Belgium on the Belgian National Day Sunday 21 July 2013. Credit: Belga/ Benoit Doppagne
Several other groups will showcase their activities in the park, from a delegation on horseback of the Tradition Artillery Association Belgium, to the goose fanfare – a unique fairytale combination between man, music and goose.
Institutions, places of worship and museums will also be open between 11:00 and 19:00, including the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, the Court of Audit, the Church of Our Lady of Salvation on the Sablon, the Church of Saint-Jacques-op-Koudenberg, the Protestant Church of Brussels, the Great Synagogue of Brussels and Square Brussels, among others.
On Place Royale, the Defence Ministry will organise a static presentation of equipment and its vehicles and dynamic demonstrations of military means while explaining their purpose, as well as interactive activities and a 'Parcours Defence' competition for the younger public.
Other sights worth seeing are the shooting performances by the Royal and Noble Old Grand Guild of the Crossbowmen of Our Lady of Sablon on Rue de la Régence, the "Police Village" of the federal and local police forces on Place Poelaert, and the "Security Village" on Sablon where security professions are put in the spotlight by means of demonstrations.
Military and civilian parade
The military and civilian parade will start at 16:00 on the Place des Palais and will pass through the same areas where activities took place during the day.
The parade will also include Belgium's veterans, the Royal Navy band, military police motorcycles and an air show including F-16s, Marchettis and an F-35A. Customs and immigration personnel as well as Red Cross volunteers will also be represented.
Planes at the aerial display at the military parade of the troops of the Belgian Army on Belgian National Day. Credit: Belga/ Jonas Roosens
During the parade, tribute will be paid to all the people "who ensure the safety of citizens every day," according to the event's website. Belgians who make a difference in other ways will also be celebrated during the parade as part of the "Be Heroes" initiative.
Evening concert and light show
For the second year in a row, the day will close with a major free "Happy Belgium" concert at the Cinquantenaire Park, starting at 21:00. Numerous Belgian artists such as singer-songwriter Ozark Henry, Belgium's Eurovision representative Gustaph, and Axelle Red.
The artists will perform their hits accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Michel Bisceglia. Thanks to large screens, as many people as possible will be able to enjoy the show. Food trucks and bars will also be set up in the park.
At 23:00, the festivities will conclude with a laser, light and fireworks show. "This ballet of light and colours, full of magic and perfectly synchronised with emotionally charged music, will highlight the Cinquantenaire site and celebrate our King's ten-year reign in a big way, to the delight of young and old alike," the National Day's website wrote.
Those who are not able to attend in person can follow the concerts and fireworks on TV, as they will be broadcasted on national television channels (VRT 1, Play4, La Une and BRF and on TV5 Monde).
As was the case last year, individual celebrations can choose to take place as part of the 'National Apero' initiative, through which pubs, bars and restaurants can announce they will be organising parties on 21 July.
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Bear in mind that traffic will be disrupted and changes will be made to public transport schedules as a result of these events. City authorities "highly recommend" coming to Brussels by train or metro, of which the services will be reinforced, while several lines will run longer in the evening.
Car parks on the edge of the city will be available, especially in Kraainem, Heysel, Delta and Roodebeek (metro). Find out what roads will be shut off to traffic here. The National Day's website contains additional information about the programme and practicalities.
