King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Princess Eleonore and Prince Emmanuel of Belgium attended the Te Deum Mass for Belgium’s National Day 2024 on Sunday at the Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule in Brussels.
Belgian National Day is a Belgian bank holidays celebrated annually on July 21. On 21 July, 1831, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha swore allegiance to the new Belgian constitution, becoming the first head of the independent state of Belgium under a constitutional monarchy and parliament.
The largest celebrations unfold in Brussels, among the most colourful of which is the grand military parade that takes place in Palace Square after the traditional solemn address to the people by the King of Belgium.
In his speech, the monarch congratulates his subjects on the memorable date and calls on them to unite to preserve the integrity and greatness of the state. After the parade, the streets of the capital are filled with crowds of Belgians and tourists, music is played everywhere and musical groups, dance and theatre troupes perform.
Also on this day many state museums and historical monuments can be visited absolutely free of charge, among them – the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Museum of History and Art, and even – the Royal Palace and the Parliament of Belgium. Traditionally, the holiday ends with a grandiose fireworks display.
