An Exceptional National Day!

JULY 20 AND 21 In 2003, the National Holiday will take on an exceptional dimension. Indeed, the government wanted to celebrate the ten-year reign of Albert II and Paola with two full days of widely varied entertainment. Here is the program! Three parades and mobile entertainment On July 20, three parades cater to an all-ages audience, respecting everyone's own pace. Roller parade: gathering is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the Parc du Cinquantenaire (Schuman side). It will follow Rue de la Loi, Cantersteen, Boulevard de l'Empereur, Rue Blaes, Avenues Henri Jaspar, de la Toison d'Or, Marnix, des Arts, Rue Belliard, and Avenue d'Auderghem. Internet: www.belgiumrollers.com Motorcycle parade: gathering is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Heysel Parking C. A 20 km route starting from Heysel and finishing on Rue Belliard (Arts side). Internet: www.motorcycle-council.be Bicycle parade: gathering is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Rue Ducale. A 20 km ride through the streets of Brussels. Internet: www.provelo.org On July 21, numerous mobile entertainments will be visible along Rue Royale (Loi intersection), Place Royale, Rue de la Régence, Place du Grand Sablon, Rue Stevens, Rue Blaes, Rue Haute, Place de la Chapelle. The Rallye de Bruxelles: a parade of vintage cars, from the dawn of the automobile to 1955. 101e Airborn: a parade of American World War II military vehicles (Harley-Davidson, Jeep, Dakota, Dodge 4 x 4, GMC, and Diamond tank transporter). Compagnie «Les Blancs» Marche Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul Florennes: 200 marchers in various uniforms (Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, 1st Empire Elite Gendarmes, fife and drum band, Zouaves...) Giants parade: Brussels folklore featuring the giants of St-Guidon, Meyboom, the Marolles... Horse-drawn carriage parade: lavishly decorated and presented by the Musée du cheval belge. Post Apocalyptic Magical Ultimate Parade: a fantastical performance of strange monsters resembling comic book characters. Les «Cht'Tiganza»: Brazilian musical parade. La Brueghelienne: folkloric parade of the Brueghel neighborhood. La Fanfare du Meyboom. L'Ordre des Tchats: folkloric symbol of Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont. Les Pieds d'Beos: stilt walkers. In the heart of the Marolles Rue Blaes and Place de la Chapelle, on July 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: shop window display contest organized by the Ligue des commerçants, entertainment by Les Amis du Vieux Marché, tasting of Brussels specialties... Located on the edge of Rue Haute, Place Brueghel will host performers from the Cirque du Trottoir on July 20 and 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A soapbox race will hurtle down the ramp of the Palais de Justice. Popular ball on July 20 starting at 6:30 p.m. on Place du Jeu de Balle. The stage will bring together several Belgian artists: Annie Cordy, Jaune Toujours (a repertoire of Dutch-language lyrics peppered with French expressions), Johan Verminnen (an iconic figure of Flemish music), Grand Jojo (creator of the unforgettable Chef un p'tit verre on a soif, Jules César...) and 98 % Maximum Soul (music from the 60s and 70s). Transformed into a dance floor with a giant disco ball, the square will also feature a large screen. Popular songs will be offered for the audience to choose from, voting by SMS. The Top 10 of this virtual jukebox will be regularly projected on the screen. On July 21 starting at 7 a.m., "Le grenier de la Belgique", a special edition of the Marché aux Puces. Roller Street Park On the vast grounds of Rue des Petits Carmes, near the Sablon and the Palais d'Egmont, on July 20 and 21, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the courtyard of the Prince Albert barracks will be transformed into a huge Roller Park, also open to BMX. Roller skate rentals on site. A 1,000 to 1,500 m² track will be available for freestyle, a skatepark of ramps and obstacles for acrobatic demos, while 4 DJs will set the musical mood (with rap taking pride of place!) featuring Daddy K, DJ Risk, HMD, Lefto. Concert "De Annie Cordy à Zornik"