Belgium marks national day with Dendermonde and Brussels festivities

Dendermonde celebrated Belgium’s National Day on 21 July with a program that combined street, river and aerial activities. Highlights included a 64‑metre inflatable wipe‑out course on the Oude Dender, open‑water swimming, a summer bar serving fries, spring‑castles for children, a 45‑metre high sky‑watch observation tower, and temporary traffic restrictions in the Sas area. The events ran from noon until 9 p.m.

In Brussels, the flag flew over the city as a series of official and popular events unfolded. A civil‑military parade began at 4 p.m. opposite the Royal Palace, followed by a National Ball in Place du Jeu de Balle and musical performances in Cinquantenaire Park. The park also hosted a concert, a laser‑and‑drone light show and fireworks. The summer fair in the Midi district offered around 130 attractions, new themed rides, and numerous food stalls. Additional cultural programmes included an urban‑arts festival, the Detours dance‑battle series, and a jazz evening featuring Brazilian trombonist Roberto de Oliveira.