On June 28, 2026, Brussels became the focal point of the 250th anniversary of US Independence, hosting a grand event organized by the US Embassy to Belgium. The celebration took place at Parc du Cinquantenaire, a prominent park near the European Union institutions, and attracted thousands of guests, including diplomats, politicians, and military personnel.
The festivities featured a variety of activities such as baseball games, mechanical bull rides, and line dancing. Attendees were treated to music performances, a ceremonial flyover, and concluded with a drone and fireworks show. Notable figures in attendance included Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
However, the event was not without controversy. Several activist groups, including Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, Indivisible Belgium, and Rise for Climate, expressed their discontent. Greenpeace unfurled a massive banner in the Grand Place, questioning the celebration amid global challenges. Local residents also voiced concerns over the privatization of public space and the multi-day closure of Parc du Cinquantenaire during a heatwave.
This juxtaposition of celebration and protest underscores the complex dynamics at play when international events intersect with local sentiments in Brussels.