Belgium’s National Day: Fireworks Nixed, Drones and F-35s
Belgium is preparing for its National Day on July 21 under sharply contrasting circumstances. A severe drought and heatwave have forced dozens of municipalities — particularly in Wallonia — to cancel traditional fireworks displays due to extreme fire risk, while the Belgian military is preparing an ambitious parade in Brussels featuring the first public flypast of the new F-35 fighter jet and a prominent drone showcase.
Drought Forces Widespread Fireworks Cancellations
Many Belgian municipalities have canceled their July 21 fireworks, citing safety concerns and environmental risks. In Hainaut Province, Governor Tommy Leclercq issued a decree banning open fires that was initially set to expire on July 20 but has since been extended to July 31. Towns affected include Tournai, Dour, Comines-Warneton, Jurbise, and Enghien, which canceled its July 20 event.
“I understand the disappointment this cancellation may cause among the population, but current conditions require us to act with prudence and responsibility,” said Marie Christine Marghem, Mayor of Tournai, in a statement published by the city.
Namur, the capital of Wallonia, also canceled its fireworks planned for July 20. Acting Mayor Charlotte Bazelaire (Les Engagés) made the decision due to persistent drought and fire risk, with a provincial ban on fireworks in force until July 27.
In East Flanders, Governor Carina Van Cauter banned fireworks due to code orange fire danger, affecting towns including Wachtebeke and Denderleeuw. In West Flanders, Ieper (Ypres) banned fireworks until August 1. All five Walloon provinces have imposed bans on fires including fireworks, campfires, and barbecues.
However, not all coastal towns have followed suit. Blankenberge decided to proceed with its fireworks after a risk analysis showed no danger to the dunes, as the fireworks are launched from wet, hard sand and fly toward the sea.
Military Parade Showcases Modernization
While local celebrations are scaled back, the national festivities in Brussels are set to be the most technologically advanced in years. On Tuesday, July 21, 1,500 military personnel from all armed forces will march on the Place des Palais, with the royal family in attendance. For the first time, the marching column rehearsed on the actual cobblestones of the parade ground rather than in barracks.
“Generally, we rehearse in barracks with a flat tarmac. Here, we parade on cobblestones. It’s much more complicated. We have to train as if it were the real thing,” explained General-Major Jean-Pol Baugnée, commander of the parade, as reported by RTBF.
A centerpiece of this year’s parade will be the first public flypast of Belgium’s new F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Belgium has ordered 34 F-35s from Lockheed Martin in a deal worth €4.5 billion, with the first aircraft arriving at Florennes air base in autumn 2025.
Drones are another major new feature. The Defense Ministry is showcasing its drone capabilities as “the combat of the future.” General-Major Baugnée noted: “Drones are the combat of the future. We are modernizing and we want to show that we are spending the budget allocated to us wisely.” The parade also marks a double anniversary, with both the Belgian Air Force and Navy celebrating their 80th anniversaries, and will include a moment of remembrance five years after the devastating 2021 floods.
Evening Festivities and a Nation at a Crossroads
Brussels will host its full program of evening events, including the Belgian Party at Parc du Cinquantenaire featuring performers such as TeddyBear, Tourist LeMC, Ghinzu, and Zap Mama. A drone and laser show with approximately 350 drones will accompany a DJ set by Netsky, followed by the traditional fireworks display at 23:00, which is expected to proceed despite the drought.
The contrast between the capital’s full program and the widespread local cancellations highlights a growing tension across Europe between tradition and environmental reality. Similar decisions have been made in France for Bastille Day and other countries facing heatwaves, signaling a potential long-term shift away from fireworks toward drone and laser shows.
What to Watch For
As Belgium marks its 195th National Day, the story reflects a nation balancing cherished traditions with the realities of climate change and military modernization. Whether the Brussels fireworks proceed as planned will depend on conditions in the coming days, but the broader trend — from gunpowder to pixels, from F-16s to F-35s — appears clear.