Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to Belgium’s National Day, a public holiday celebrated with grand festivities throughout the country. The Doodle commemorates the nation’s progress and prosperity, marking the day in 1831 when Leopold I took the constitutional oath to become Belgium’s first king.
The Belgian royal family kicks off the celebrations with a parade at the Place Royale in Brussels. The King of the Belgians, members of the royal family, and high-ranking government officials attend the parade, showcasing the strength and prowess of the Belgian Armed Forces and other security forces.
Google Doodle’s description reads, “Happy National Day, Belgium!” The doodle highlights the various ways the historic day is recounted. Citizens can enjoy impressive folklore performances and musical concerts. At midnight, breathtaking fireworks illuminate the sky, marking the end of the celebrations.
Belgium’s national flag, with its three colours of black, yellow, and red, is a symbol of the nation’s heritage. Google Doodle notes that these colors represent the heraldry of the Duke of Brabant: a yellow lion with red claws and a red tongue on a black background. Today, the colours are represented in three vertical stripes, a visual reminder of Belgium’s rich history and national identity.
