National Day scatters across the city

For the ten-year reign of Albert II, this 21 July spills into various neighborhoods. Brussels rediscovering itself along a lively route. Poelaert Square flooded with sunlight... And tourists too. Click, Mamy has her souvenir photo. Behind her, two stone soldiers remain arms crossed, unblinking. After observing polyester cows grazing on the city tarmac, nothing surprises them anymore. Yet, on this square, as in other streets of Brussels, 21 July holds new surprises. Soapboxes, roller skates, motorcycles, folkloric or magical parades... “We chose all the activities of this festival in the spirit of a great popular event. We wanted to please all Belgians,” explains Sophie Dupavé, from the agency Ants, organizer of 21 July. Reaching the greatest number also means broadening the perimeter of the festivities. A major new feature: after extending from the Parliament to the Law Courts, the "park festival" is descending this year all the way into the Marolles (see infographic p. 8). A flea market ball Quietly nestled below the imposing building designed by Joseph Poelaert, Brueghel Square will come alive thanks to the magic of the circus. And to the parade of young people in Brueghelian attire, folklore of the Marolles. For Marie-Jeanne Falisse, a local resident who makes the costumes, “it is the Brussels soul that can finally participate in the national holiday. The Brueghelians were bon vivants, they represented the heart of the Belgian people. Today, it is an honor to be able to take part in the procession as representatives of our neighborhood,” she exclaims. Other parades invited to this festive gathering: the giants of Saint-Guidon, the Cht'Tiganza with Brazilian sounds, the Brussels brass band of Meyboom, the Order of Tchats of Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont... “We wanted to represent different corners of Belgium, its folklore, with a few exotic touches as well,” says Carine Verstraeten, from Bruxelles Promotion. At the corner of Rue Haute and Rue des Renards, it is a dive towards Place du Jeu de Balle and its most whimsical bric-a-brac: mountains of clothes, old bikes, and dirty-faced dolls. Here, people examine, bargain, chat... At the announcement of a popular ball on the flea market site, Eva, an antique dealer on Rue Blaes, interjects: “a ball is fun, it's a good idea to bring everyone together.” But she adds that most of the neighborhood's activities end in failure. “And that is sad. Generally, the complexity of the place is not taken into account, young immigrants feel excluded...” If the objective of National Day is to bring Belgians together, it also aims to reveal the city's many facets. Beyond Rue Blaes, the towers of Notre-Dame du Sablon signal another landscape: steps become more hurried, flower beds better aligned. Above Petit Sablon park, the architectural beauty of Egmont Palace can be glimpsed through the gates of its entrance. Gates that will open on 21 July onto the inner courtyard for two concerts, one classical, the other clownish aimed at children. Rappers' barracks A few steps further, one enters Rue des Petits Carmes, where the former Prince Albert barracks stand. A vast site left abandoned, far from the Renaissance style of Egmont Palace. An unsuspected no man's land, it nevertheless exudes an unusual charm. Its “destroy” and offbeat atmosphere will host a huge roller park and four DJs, masters of hip hop, who will revive the site. The choice of these locations is no accident. According to Sophie Dupavé, “they reflect both the lovely Belgian simplicity and the great beauty of the city, often ignored.” This does not prevent leaving the highlight of the evening to Brussels Park: “Every year, I come to watch the fireworks with my grandchildren,” confides Huguette, sitting in the shade of the garden's trees. Traditions...