Day of the French Community 2023: History, Dates, Activities, and FAQs

Day of the French Community 2023: The 27th of September is the Day Of The French Community, and we are preparing to commemorate its fascinating history! When one hears the word “French,” one immediately thinks of France. However, did you know that this day is celebrated in Belgium? This holiday has been observed for more than four decades, and it was chosen by the French Community due to a significant event that occurred on this date in 1830.

The History of French Community Day

In 1975, the first Day of the French Community holiday was observed. This day commemorates the failure of the imperial army to retake Brussels from the Walloon revolutionaries during the Belgian Revolution.

Belgians were unhappy under the authority of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands at the start of the 19th century. On August 25, 1830, a disturbance broke out following the performance, among other things, of Daniel Auber’s patriotic opera “La muette de Portici.” This resulted in an uprising in which crowds seized control of government buildings while shouting patriotic slogans.

During that time, the Estates-General persuaded Crown Prince William, who represented the monarchy in Brussels, that administrative separation between the north and south was the only way to resolve the crisis. King William I, the father of the crown prince, declined the proposed terms of accommodation. Subsequently, the royal army was unable to recapture Brussels, a provisional government was proclaimed in Brussels, and the Dutch troops withdrew.

When we refer to the French Community of Belgium, we are referring to the French-speaking population of the Walloon Region. They make up approximately 41% of the country’s population, and approximately 80% of all Francophone Belgians reside in Wallonia. In fact, this community, also known as the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, has its own parliament, government, administration, and insignia.

The French Community chose September 27 as French Community Day in June 1975. On the Day of the French Community, all schools are closed, but some enterprises are still open. The occasion is commemorated by concerts, theatrical performances, and sporting events.

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FAQs ABOUT THE DAY OF THE FRENCH COMMUNITY

What are Belgians who speak French called?

“Walloons are a French-speaking population who reside primarily in Wallonia in Belgium. Important historical and anthropological factors (religion, language, traditions, and folklore) bind the Walloons to the French. The Wikipedia

What percentage of Belgium’s population is French?

“The French Community of Belgium makes up about 45% of the total population of Belgium; 55% of the population belongs to the Flemish Community, and 1% to the German-speaking Community.” The Wikipedia

Where can French be heard?

According to Nations Online, French is the official language of Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, The Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France, Guinea, Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland, Togo, and Vanuatu.

HOW TO CELEBRATE FRENCH COMMUNITY DAY

Observe a play

Find a nearby theater that is presenting a play and attend with your family and friends. If there are no live performances, search online for recorded plays and view them with your family and popcorn at home.

Host a culinary event oyons.

Encourage your friends and family to bring traditional Belgian delicacies to your house for a luncheon. Throw in some karaoke, play some cards or board games, and enjoy yourself.