Key facts
- The U.S. Embassy in Belgium hosted a 250th anniversary celebration for U.S. independence in Brussels.
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola were among the attendees.
- The event was funded by over $5 million raised from more than 220 donors, including corporate sponsors.
- Protests were held by local residents and activist groups criticizing the event and the closure of a public park.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium hosted a lavish celebration in Brussels on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The event, held at Parc du Cinquantenaire, was attended by thousands of guests, including diplomats, politicians, and military personnel.
Notable attendees included Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The festivities featured American-themed activities such as baseball and a mechanical bull, alongside music, performances, a ceremonial flyover, and a concluding drone and firework show. U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White stated that the event was funded by over $5 million raised from more than 220 donors, comprising American and Belgian companies and private individuals.
However, the celebration faced significant backlash. Greenpeace unfurled a large banner reading 'War. Greed. Energy Crisis. What’s there to celebrate?' criticizing the event's timing amidst global instability and accusing it of promoting a political agenda. Several activist groups, including Extinction Rebellion and Indivisible Belgium, protested outside the park perimeter, denouncing the privatization of public space. Local residents also expressed discontent over the park's closure during an ongoing heatwave and the perceived lack of communication.