Flemish Community Day

The Flemish Community celebrates July 11 in reference to the Battle of the Golden Spurs near Kortrijk in 1302. Urban militias and supporters of the Count of Flanders defeated the mounted army of the French king. The battle was politically complex and should not be projected directly onto modern Belgium, but its unexpected infantry victory acquired powerful symbolic meaning.

Nineteenth-century writers, especially Hendrik Conscience in The Lion of Flanders, revived and romanticised the medieval episode. The story subsequently became associated with the Flemish movement, Dutch-language emancipation and cultural identity. The Flemish Community adopted July 11 as its official feast day, alongside the lion flag, anthem and other symbols used by Flemish institutions.

July 11 is not one of Belgium’s ten statutory holidays for all private-sector workers. Flemish government services, schools or organisations may follow community-specific closure rules, while shops and federal services can remain open. Events also take place in Dutch-speaking institutions in bilingual Brussels. Municipal concerts, awards and speeches range from cultural celebration to contemporary political reflection.