This public holiday, also known as the Belgium National Day, commemorates Belgium’s independence from the Netherlands on July 21, 1831. Belgians had struggled against their rulers for 15 years. A revolt began in 1830, and, the next year, the state of Belgium was formed and King Leopold I (1790-1865) was made its first king. Belgians sing “La Brabançonne,” the national anthem, and observe their independence with festivities, especially in the capital city of Brussels. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary