Public & National Holidays in Belgium

With an area of 30,528 square kilometres and a population of about 11 million, Belgium is one of the most important countries in Europe. Officially named as Kingdom of Belgium, the federal state in West Europe is one of the founding members of the European Union.

Including the EU’s headquarters, Belgium hosts plenty of major international organisations, like NATO. The Belgium folks speak different languages, and the country is considered home to two different main linguistic groups. About sixty percent of Belgium population consists of Dutch-speakers, while the rest speak French.

Belgium’s history is quite interesting. After the revolution in 1830, the country started taking massive strides towards progress, and possessed many colonies in Africa during the course of the 20^th century. Belgium successfully overcame the contrasts between the two different linguistic groups.

Since, both communities are extremely strong, they have their own special occasions. For example, the German-speaking Community celebrates the ‘Day of the German-speaking Community of Belgium’ in November. It has not been declared as a national holiday though.

On the other hand, the French Community Holiday is observed only by the French Community in September every year. The Belgium citizens enthusiastically observe several days, but the government does not declare them public holidays.

Epiphany, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, All Souls Day, Kings Feast, and Saint Saint Nicholas are all very important events in the country, but none of them is a public holiday. The Belgium people, however, don’t work on a few religious occasions, such as Easter, Christmas, and Ascension Day.

Instructions

1

Holidays in January

New Year’s Day

Just like many other European countries, the New Year is always celebrated passionately in Belgium. It is a public holiday.
2

Easter Monday

Folks enjoy a public holiday on the first Monday after Easter Sunday. There is no fix date for this event.
3

Holidays in May

Labour Day

Just like the entire world, Labour Day is always observed keenly in Belgium.

Ascension Day

A public holiday, that comes exactly 40 days after Easter.

Whitmonday

Also known as Pentecost Monday, this day is observed on the seventh Monday after Easter.
4

Holidays in July

National Holiday

It is also known as Independence Day. Belgium has been a parliamentary democracy since the installation of Leopold I as king, on July 21, 1831.
5

Holidays in August

Assumption Day

This day is observed in commemoration of Assumption of Mary.
6

Holidays in November

All Saints Day

This traditional event is celebrated on November 1st.
Armistice Day (November 11)
The Dutch don't wait much for another holiday after All Saints Day, as the Armistice Day comes right after 10 days.
7

Holidays in December

Christmas Day

The entire Christian community celebrates this day on 25th December.