July 21 what you must not miss The ten key moments of the festival

The festivities will be so grand that it will be difficult to see everything. So, follow the guide... This national holiday will not be a day like any other. And for good reason: it will mark, slightly in advance, the ten-year reign of King Albert II. For the occasion, the program of festivities promises to be exceptional (detailed program in yesterday's editions), and hundreds of thousands of Belgians are expected in the streets of the capital this Sunday and Monday. To make sure you don't miss any of the fun, here are the ten key moments: > Family Roller Parade. Young and old are expected on skates from 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Parc du Cinquantenaire (Schuman side). Prince Laurent will give the kickoff. The route: Cinquantenaire, Rue de la Loi, Royal Park (around 2:30 p.m.). Black, yellow, and red are highly recommended! Note for roller fans: the Roller Street Park on Sunday and Monday afternoons at the Casernes Prince Albert. > Motorbike Parade. It will start at the Atomium at 2:00 p.m. sharp on Sunday, in the presence of Albert II. The bikers will then take the main thoroughfares of central Brussels up to the Place des Palais. Atmosphere guaranteed! > Royal Bike Parade. Departure of the cheerful crowd (still in tricolor, organizers hope) accompanied by Prince Philippe and Guy Verhofstadt at Place des Palais on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. A short tour around Brussels and returning an hour and a half later. > Popular Ball. Sunday evening at Place du Jeu de Balle, in the heart of the Marolles, a lantern ball (tricolor spirit required here too). The square will transform into a dance floor with giant disco balls. DJ and live artist performances: Annie Cordy, Jaune Toujours, Le Grand Jojo, atmosphere guaranteed! This national holiday, this Monday, will not be a day like any other > Military Parade. Start of the parade at 2:00 p.m. Monday in the presence notably of members of the royal family and the government. The parade will return to Place des Palais this year. > Park Festival. It is a tradition that continues year after year: the Royal Park is teeming with all kinds of entertainment for all audiences. And it always welcomes a large crowd. Monday from 10:00 a.m. > Soapbox Race. Here is an unusual spectacle: a soapbox race at Mont des Arts on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The vehicles, announced as "ultra-aerodynamic and original," will depart from Place Royale and hurtle down Mont des Arts. > Various Entertainment. The entire center of Brussels will be celebrating. We can only advise you to wander from one site to another and enjoy the atmosphere: musical groups almost everywhere, tastings of Brussels specialties, folkloric entertainment, special flea market Monday morning at Place du Jeu de Balle, musical shows for children (Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Palais d'Egmont), crafts, circus shows, free admission to many buildings (museums, etc.). > Concert. An exceptional concert, packed with surprises and clip projections on a giant screen, will bring together many renowned Belgian artists. It will take place at the foot of the Palais de Justice on Monday starting at 7:45 p.m. Artists include: Khadja Nin, Sttellla, Jean-Louis Daulne, Annie Cordy, Toots Thielemans, Urban Trad, Philippe Lafontaine... > Fireworks. Monday at 11:45 p.m. at Place des Palais (be sure to arrive early to get a good spot, as buildings or trees might spoil your view). It will be particularly exceptional to celebrate the King's ten years of reign. Blending lights, fire, and image projections, it will relive the major moments of his reign. A wonderful way to conclude a colorful celebration.