National Belgium Day

A group of people enjoying delicious Belgian waffles, dressed in traditional Belgian attire, with the iconic Atomium in the background.. — National belgium day illustration

Hey there, folks! Get ready to celebrate National Belgium Day like you've never celebrated before! This is the day where we honor all things Belgian, from their delicious food to their famous landmarks. So, grab your waffles and let's dive into the delightful world of Belgium!

When is Belgium Day?

It's national belgium day on the 20th July.

The Internet History of National Belgium Day

Belgium, the land of chocolate, beer, and comic strips, has a rich history and culture that is definitely worth celebrating. But how did National Belgium Day come to be? Well, it all started with a little online buzz.

Back in the early days of the internet, a group of Belgium enthusiasts decided that their beloved country deserved a special day of recognition. So, on July 20, 2016, they took to social media to spread the word and declare it National Belgium Day. They shared mouth-watering pictures of Belgian fries, drool-worthy chocolates, and scenic shots of breathtaking Belgian architecture.

Word spread like wildfire, and soon enough, the internet was buzzing with excitement for National Belgium Day. People from all around the world started sharing their love for Belgian waffles, the Atomium, and the famous Manneken Pis statue. The hashtag #NationalBelgiumDay trended on Twitter, and before they knew it, Belgium had become an online sensation.

Celebrating National Belgium Day

So, how can you join in the festivities and celebrate National Belgium Day? Well, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in all things Belgian. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Foodie Paradise: Indulge in some authentic Belgian cuisine like moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonade flamande (beef stew), or speculoos (spiced shortcrust biscuits).
Comic Craze: Explore the world of Belgian comic strips by reading famous comics like Tintin, The Smurfs, or Gaston Lagaffe.
Toast with Beer: Raise a glass of delicious Belgian beer, known for its wide variety of flavors and brewing traditions.

Did You Know?

In Belgium, it is customary to greet with three kisses. So, if you ever find yourself in Belgium, don't be caught off guard by an unexpected smoochfest!

So, mark your calendars for July 20th and get ready to celebrate National Belgium Day in style. Whether you're indulging in some mouth-watering Belgian chocolate or raising a glass of Belgian beer, this is one day that is bound to be deliciously fun!

History behind the term 'Belgium'

57 BC

The Early Inhabitants

In the 1st century BC, various Celtic tribes inhabited the region that we now know as Belgium. These Celtic people were known as the Belgae and had settled in the area during the Iron Age. They were a collection of tribes with their own distinct cultures and languages.

58 BC

Roman Conquest

The Roman Empire, led by Julius Caesar, launched a campaign to conquer Gaul (modern-day France). In 57 BC, Caesar's forces defeated the Belgae tribes, bringing the region under Roman control. Over the following decades, the Romans established settlements and infrastructure throughout the area.

4th Century AD

The Roman Province of Belgica

During the 4th century AD, the Roman Empire reorganized its territories, and the region that is now Belgium became part of the Roman province of Belgica. Roman influence left a lasting impact on the region, including the development of cities, such as Tongeren and Tournai, and the construction of roads and aqueducts.

5th Century AD

The Fall of the Roman Empire

As the Roman Empire declined, barbarian invasions, including the Visigoths and the Franks, gradually weakened Roman control over the region. By the 5th century AD, the Roman Empire had collapsed, and the region was left vulnerable to migration and assimilation by various Germanic tribes.

9th Century AD

The County of Flanders

During the 9th century AD, the Carolingian Empire, under the rule of Charles the Bald, witnessed the emergence of the County of Flanders in the northern part of present-day Belgium. The County of Flanders grew in power and influence, becoming a significant political entity in Western Europe.

15th Century AD

The Burgundian Netherlands

In the 15th century, the Dukes of Burgundy acquired control over the territories of the Low Countries, including Flanders. The region became known as the Burgundian Netherlands, and this period marked a flourishing of arts and culture, with the city of Bruges becoming an important center of trade and prosperity.

16th Century AD

Spanish and Austrian Habsburg Rule

In the 16th century, the Habsburg dynasty, first under the rule of the Spanish branch and later the Austrian branch, gained control over the Burgundian Netherlands. This period saw religious conflicts, such as the Protestant Reformation, which led to tensions between the Spanish Crown and the Dutch Revolt.

19th Century AD

Belgian Independence

In the early 19th century, Belgium was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, a growing sense of nationalism and cultural differences between the Dutch-speaking north and the French-speaking south led to the Belgian Revolution in 1830. Belgium gained independence and became a constitutional monarchy, with Leopold I as its first king.

20th Century AD

World Wars and European Union

Belgium experienced significant turmoil during the 20th century. It was occupied by German forces during both World Wars, and its territory served as a battlefield during the conflicts. However, Belgium rebounded and became one of the founding members of the European Union, hosting its headquarters in Brussels, the capital city.

Present Day

Modern Belgium

Today, Belgium is a diverse and multilingual country with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its delicious chocolates, famous beers, and impressive architecture. Belgium continues to play a crucial role in the European Union and serves as a prominent hub for international politics and diplomacy.