Why Is 21 July A Holiday?

🗓️ Introduction: The Importance of 21 July as a Holiday

The question “Why is 21 July a holiday?” doesn’t have just one answer. Around the world, 21 July is a date marked by deep historical meaning, patriotic pride, and unique cultural celebrations.

From Belgium’s National Day that commemorates the formation of its monarchy, to Japan’s Marine Day, which honors the oceans and maritime heritage, and Singapore’s Racial Harmony Day, which promotes multicultural unity—21 July is rich with global importance.

This article explores each of these celebrations in detail, showcasing how one day can carry so many diverse, yet interconnected, meanings.

🇧🇪 Belgium National Day – 21 July: A Nation’s Birth

📜 Historical Background

Belgium gained independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands following the Belgian Revolution in 1830. After a provisional government was formed, the country established a constitutional monarchy. On 21 July 1831, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha took an oath to become King Leopold I, officially becoming the first King of the Belgians.

That event is now seen as the symbolic foundation of modern Belgium, and 21 July is observed annually as Belgium’s National Day.

🏛️ Significance of the Date

The Belgian government chose 21 July in 1890 as the official national holiday because it highlights the establishment of the monarchy and constitutional governance—both central pillars of the Belgian state.

🎉 How Belgium Celebrates 21 July

🏰 Official Ceremonies

Celebrations begin with a Te Deum mass at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels, often attended by the Belgian royal family. A military parade follows on Rue de la Loi, showcasing Belgian forces, emergency services, and NATO allies.

The King of Belgium delivers a national address, uniting citizens and reflecting on national progress.

🎆 Festivities for the Public

Food festivals and music concerts at Brussels Park
Art exhibitions, flea markets, and patriotic performances
Fireworks at Cinquantenaire Park
The famous “La Drache Nationale” – a humorous nod to the day’s often rainy weather

These events attract thousands of Belgians and international visitors each year.

🌊 🇯🇵 Japan’s Marine Day (Umi no Hi)

🐚 What Is Marine Day?

Marine Day in Japan, observed on the third Monday of July, celebrates the country’s close connection to the sea. In 2025, this holiday coincides with Monday, 21 July.

It was introduced as a national holiday in 1996, inspired by Emperor Meiji’s 1876 sea voyage, and symbolizes gratitude for the sea’s bounty, the maritime economy, and environmental conservation.

🌊 How Japan Celebrates Marine Day

Beach cleanups and environmental awareness campaigns
Sea-themed festivals and aquarium shows
Family outings to the coast
Cultural activities involving ocean myths and history

This is more than a day off—it’s a reminder of Japan’s reliance on and respect for the ocean.

🔗 External Link: Learn more about Marine Day in Japan

🇸🇬 Singapore: Racial Harmony Day

🕊️ The Backstory

On 21 July 1964, Singapore faced one of the worst communal riots in its history. As a nation committed to ethnic diversity and tolerance, Singapore introduced Racial Harmony Day in 1997 to remind citizens of the importance of social unity.

👫 Celebrations in Schools & Communities

Students wear traditional cultural attire
Food fairs showcasing dishes from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian cultures
Classroom activities that promote inter-racial understanding
Public campaigns on anti-discrimination and inclusiveness

This unique observance is not a public holiday, but it plays a critical role in fostering social cohesion in Singapore’s multicultural society.

🇬🇺 Guam’s Liberation Day – 21 July

🪖 WWII Liberation

On 21 July 1944, U.S. forces liberated Guam from Japanese occupation during World War II. This day is celebrated annually as Liberation Day and is one of the most important holidays for the people of Guam.

🇺🇸 How Guam Remembers

Military parades and ceremonies
Veterans’ recognition events
Community barbecues, festivals, and local parades
Storytelling and historical documentaries

It’s a powerful mix of patriotism, reflection, and celebration—especially meaningful for older generations who experienced wartime trauma.

🇧🇼 Botswana’s President’s Day

Botswana also celebrates President’s Day on 21 July, a public holiday that honors the Office of the President. While not globally recognized, it plays an essential role in celebrating leadership and governance in the southern African nation.

🎉 Traditions Include:

Government addresses and speeches
Cultural performances
School programs on national values

🎊 Fun Global Observances on 21 July

Alongside these national events, 21 July is also recognized for a few quirky celebrations:

National Junk Food Day (USA): A day to indulge guilt-free in your favorite snacks.
Lamington Day (Australia): Honors the famous chocolate-and-coconut sponge cake.
National Be Someone Day: Encourages people to make a difference in a child’s life.
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day: A humorous, sci-fi-themed celebration.

🌍 Countries Celebrating 21 July as a Holiday

Country/Region	Holiday Name	Significance
Belgium	National Day	Formation of constitutional monarchy (1831)
Japan	Marine Day	Respect for maritime culture & ocean life
Singapore	Racial Harmony Day	Promotes unity after 1964 riots
Guam	Liberation Day	End of Japanese occupation in WWII
Botswana	President’s Day	Honoring national leadership

🧭 Broader Themes of 21 July

1. Nation-Building

Belgium’s declaration of a monarch marks the foundation of modern statehood. Guam’s liberation marks the reclaiming of freedom.

2. Social Harmony

Singapore’s Racial Harmony Day is a beacon of peaceful multicultural coexistence.

3. Environmental Stewardship

Japan’s Marine Day reminds us of our dependency on oceans and the need for sustainability.

4. Remembrance

Each country’s event involves a deep connection to its past, ensuring newer generations learn from and honor history.

🔁 Continuity Across Time

Whether it’s through a military parade in Belgium, a beach trip in Japan, or a diversity celebration in Singapore, 21 July has become a global date of unity, remembrance, and joy.

These holidays:

Educate future generations
Celebrate culture and values
Reinforce civic identity and resilience

🖇️ Internal Link Recommendation

For more information on national and international holidays, Indian festivals, and cultural news, visit the Culture & Festivals Section on ViralNews24Adda.

✅ Conclusion: Why Is 21 July a Holiday?

The answer depends on where you are in the world:

In Belgium, it marks the establishment of its monarchy and independence.
In Japan, it celebrates a deep connection to the sea.
In Singapore, it honors peace and ethnic harmony.
In Guam, it stands for freedom and remembrance.
In Botswana, it reflects civic pride.

Whether you’re attending a parade in Brussels, cleaning a beach in Okinawa, or learning about heritage in Singapore, 21 July is more than just a date—it’s a shared global experience of identity, legacy, and celebration.

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