New Year's Day

New Year's Day on 1 January has been celebrated for centuries as the start of the civil calendar year. The date originates from the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. In Belgium, 1 January was only formally recognised as a public holiday after independence in 1830.

In Belgium, New Year's Day is celebrated with family gatherings, the exchange of New Year cards and wishes, and festive meals. Children still write a New Year letter to their parents or grandparents, a much-loved Belgian tradition. Fireworks at midnight and celebrations in cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent mark the transition into the new year.