Was this the last National Day for Belgium?

The joke at the national celebrations was that yesterday's event could end up being the last one with Belgium splitting apart along linguistic lines. For the moment such predictions seem far-fetched if only because the capital, Brussels, is rooted in Flanders yet has a clear majority Francophone population.

But if the political deadlock drags on for much longer at a time when inflation is running at 5.8 per cent and the Belgian economy is grinding to a halt, who knows where the current impasse will lead the country? READ MORE

Belgium National Day

Belgians take to the streets of Brussels on 21 July every year with their black, yellow and red flags to celebrate with street festivals, music and a stunning firework display in front of the grand Royal Palace.
Other highlights include free entry to key cultural and royal venues, including the Royal Palace (cour des Comptes), Belgian Parliament (rue de la Lois) and Royal Museums of Art and History (rue de la Régence).The streets fill with musicians, theatre and parades. The army put on a show at place Poelaert, while sport and an arts and crafts market take place on the rue de la Régence.A spectacular firework display ends the festivities at 11pm on the Place des Palais in the centre of town.
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