12 Cool Facts About the Belgian Flag

The Belgian flag and a frituur or friterie, two important national symbols
The Belgian flag and a frituur or friterie, two important national symbols | © Hendrik Dacquin / Flickr
Nana Van De Poel

In all its black, yellow and red glory, the Belgian flag is both a symbol of independence and an object of confusion. For example, what is up with its occasional squat posture, and why is it sometimes covered in gold fringe? We divulge 12 fun facts about Belgium’s tricolour.

A symbol of independence

Before Belgian independence became fact in 1831, the region’s unofficial flag boasted the same colours that it does now, only its bands were horizontal. The modern vertical layout was first used during the Belgian Revolution to indicate a turning on its head of the status quo and to express a fierce will for independence.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

An oil painting depicting the battle for independence in Brussels by Gustaf Wappers, showing a large Belgian flag in the hands of the revolutionaries

The only flag in the world to defy its Constitution

‘The Belgian nation chooses for its colours red, yellow, and black,’ the country’s Constitution details. But the current flag doesn’t actually follow that pattern: it goes black, yellow and red instead. This layout would mean Belgians have been accidentally turning their flag upside down for over 180 years – except that lawmakers firmly decided that for aesthetic and heraldic reasons the black part should sit next to the flagpole. Lawmakers simply never thought it was worth the hassle to go through the complicated process of amending the Constitution. When Member of Parliament Louis Standaert suggested fixing the aberration in the 90s, the proposition caused merriment before quickly being dismissed.

A confusing start

For the first years of Belgium’s existence, horizontal and vertical flags still existed alongside each other. Due to the infamous Article 193 of the Constitution, the exact colour order got regularly switched up as well, especially in the very beginning. Legend even has it that Belgian troops accidentally fired at their own because, due to a lot of smoke, they confused their flag with the red band on top for the Dutch one.

Good rebels got an Honour Flag

In September of 1832, a newly minted Congress sought to reward volunteer groups and towns that had bravely fought for Belgian independence. Consequently, King Leopold I stood on Place Royale and handed out Honour Flags to delegates from a hundred towns and municipalities. These ornate copies had horizontal bands, a tricolour fringe around the edge and the year 1830 in the middle, surrounded by a golden garland. Underneath the laurels, it said ‘La Patrie Reconnaisante’, or ‘The Grateful Homeland’. The one gifted to Luxembourg is now in the Royal Military Museum, where it is still on display.

Humility, fortune, and victory

It’s well known that Belgians are firm believers in the value of modesty, even for those who have known great riches and victory. Its flag says as much through its colours: black stands for humility, yellow represents riches and good fortune, and red symbolises victory – one that was well deserved after the revolution of 1830.

A stretched-out version flying from Brussels’ Triumphal Arch

Inspired by an ancient coat of arms

There’s a second reason why the Belgian flag boasts the colours that it does, and that reason is the Duchy of Brabant. The coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, a province in the Low Countries with a formidable past as a region of power, inspired the flag. Its arms showed a golden lion (yellow) on a black background with its claws and tongue out (red).

Strange dimensions

With 13:15 proportions, the constitutional Belgian flag is fairly unusual in size. Not quite a square yet not a rectangle either, Belgium’s tricolour looks like quite the squat fellow when hoisted above the Royal Palaces in Laeken. Flying atop public buildings, however, is the ‘civil’ version, which uses the more traditional 2:3 measurements. While the latter may appear more elegant, the plumper version apparently has an unexpected upside: it captures the wind in such a way that it’s less subject to wear and tear.

Festive in fringe

During parades, special flags with yellow fringe on three sides are often brought out to celebrate the occasion.

Belgian flags with trimmings of yellow fringe

Know when the King is home and when it’s his birthday

On days when the nation’s ruling monarch is in the country (but not necessarily at home), a couple of particularly large flags are hoisted over the Royal Palaces in Brussels’ core and Laeken. On the days of the King’s and Queen’s birthdays, all flags go up in tribute as well.

Devilish popularity boost

The increasing prominence and success of the male national soccer team – the Red Devils – has been bringing new life to the national tricolour in recent years. You’ll never see as many flags hanging from window sills or black-yellow-and-red car mirror covers as you do during the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup.

Belgian soccer fans all dressed up in the nation’s colours

Massive ship, tiny nation flag

The TI Asia tanker, built in South Korea, sails under the Belgian flag. The white mastodon for a time qualified as the largest ship in the world.

Flag desecration goes unpunished

Burning, trampling or otherwise tarnishing of the Belgian flag is any citizen’s right, as there are no laws in place forbidding it. There have been a couple of recorded instances of partition supporters (who vie for the split of Belgium into Flanders and Wallonia) in the 90s, but in general, flag-burning hasn’t been an issue in contemporary Belgium.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article