Belgian National Day 2020 or Belgian Independence Day is the national holiday of Belgium celebrated annually on July 21. The day marks the anniversary of investiture of King Leopold I, the country's first monarch, in 1831, signalling Belgium's emergence as a sovereign state as distinguished from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

After the Napoleonic Wars, Belgium became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Belgian Revolution between August and October 1830 forced Dutch forces out of the country. "By November, the different revolutionary factions had coalesced around the idea of national independence and began drafting a constitution for the new state. It was decided that it would become a constitutional and popular monarchy," according to Wikipedia.

While searching for a monarch, the revolutionaries decided to make Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha their king. Leopold reached Brussels in July 1831 and on July 21, he swore allegiance to the constitution. This day is celebrated as the start of the modern Kingdom of Belgium.

Initially, Belgian National Day was observed on September 21, the date of the expulsion of Dutch forces from Brussels. In 1890, the date was changed to July 21. Traditionally the National Day starts with Belgian royal family attending a special service at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. At prominent public buildings, there are cultural event and activities as well as the parade featuring military followed by night-time spectacular.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2020 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).