Holidays marked with ◎ are movable feasts whose dates change every year based on the date of Easter.
* In addition, November 15th of each year is celebrated as "King's Feast" (Dynasty Day) with royal events, and government institutions are closed.
Regional Holidays
Belgium is a multilingual country. For this reason, it transitioned to a federal system based on regional and linguistic communities in 1993. In addition to the national holidays listed above, specific regional holidays are established for each area.
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Overview of Holidays in Belgium
Good Friday Good Friday is not a public holiday in Belgium, but a substitute holiday for another public holiday may be allocated to this day, making it a day off. Good Friday is a religious holiday commemorating the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday / Easter Monday Commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ's resurrection on the third day after being crucified and executed.
Ascension Day Commemorates the bodily ascension of the resurrected Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of his disciples. This holiday is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter (the resurrection of Jesus).
Whitsun (Pentecost) / Whit Monday Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This event is said to have occurred on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.
National Day (Independence Day) A holiday commemorating the accession of Leopold I to the throne on July 21, 1831. At this time, Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands.
Assumption of Mary A Catholic holiday commemorating the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
All Saints' Day A Christian holiday to pray for all saints and martyrs.
Armistice Day Commemorates the signing of the armistice agreement that ended World War I (November 11, 1918).
National Flag and Anthem of Belgium
National Flag
The three colors of the Belgian flag are derived from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant (a yellow lion with red tongue and claws on a black field).
National Anthem
The national anthem of Belgium is "The Brabançonne" (The Song of Brabant). Since Belgium is a multilingual country, the lyrics have three versions (Dutch, French, and German). The summary of the lyrics praises the homeland, the King, and liberty.
