Every year on September 27, French-speakers across Belgium celebrate French Community Day, officially known as the Fête de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The event honours the French-speaking community and showcases its cultural, educational, and social contributions.
The celebrations span a week, culminating with the ‘Grand Rendez-vous de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles’ concert on Brussels’ Grand Place. The free concert features both renowned and emerging French-speaking Belgian artists, alongside select international performers, promoting local talent to a wider audience.
The French Community, or Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB), represents one of Belgium’s three cultural communities. It oversees education, culture, sports, youth services, scientific research, and judicial institutions. Its jurisdiction covers both Wallonia and Brussels, serving French-speaking citizens throughout their lives.
Unlike regions, the FWB does not collect taxes. Its funding, amounting to €13.5 billion annually, comes primarily from federal allocations linked to VAT. The government aims to manage its deficit, projected to remain around €1.2 billion by 2029, down from €1.5 billion in 2024.
Led by Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse of Les Engagés, the FWB government comprises six ministers, four of whom are women. The parliament includes 75 deputies from Wallonia and 19 from Brussels, elected every five years. The minister-president oversees key areas including education, culture, international affairs, and internal Francophone relations.
The rooster symbol represents the FWB and its cultural identity. While French Community Day is not a public holiday, schools and government offices close to allow celebrations. Cultural centres and venues across Wallonia and Brussels host activities throughout the week, highlighting music, theatre, and other art forms.
The FWB’s historical roots trace back to the 1970s, when linguistic tensions prompted the creation of cultural communities. Its current form was established in 1981, with a name change to ‘Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles’ in 2011 to emphasise the link between Wallonia and Brussels.
September 27 also commemorates Belgium’s national history, marking the end of the 1830 battles that drove Dutch forces out of Brussels. The date links the French Community to broader national heritage, even though Belgium’s national holiday is now celebrated on July 21.
Through these celebrations, the FWB strengthens French-speaking Belgian identity while promoting cultural richness and community engagement. The events provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diversity of music, art, and traditions within the Francophone community.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
