The royal Christmas festivities this year entitled “Christmas at 11 million: a chain of lights” were broadcast on Thursday New Year’s Eve on the main Belgian channels at 6:00 pm. Due to the health crisis, this was an “exceptional” edition, during which concerts by Belgian artists, tributes and interventions by the royal family multiplied. “The chain of lights is a symbol of bond and hope,” said King Philippe. The event began with the broadcast of the visit of the royal family in three associations, in which they lit a candle. All Belgians were also invited to turn on a light in tribute to the victims of the pandemic and to the people who played an important role during the health crisis.
The festivities were punctuated by messages of support from citizens as well as their testimonies, shots from all over the kingdom, but also pieces performed by Belgian artists in various parts of the country. Singer Axel Red performed at the Hôtel de Ville in Brussels with the track “Je t’attends”, Typh Barrow and Jasper Steverlinck performed together the piece “The Gift” at the Château de Beloeil. The singer-songwriter Lous and the Yakouza sang in Ghent. Hooverphonic was also there. The band performed the song “Mad about you” in Waterloo, with their iconic singer Geike Arnaert making a comeback.
For the first time, the King’s speech was broadcast in the evening on the occasion of the event. “This year everything is different. Tonight we celebrate Christmas in our bubble, or alone. We have to keep our distance, to protect each other. Fortunately we know that love and friendship are stronger than separation, ”he said to the population.
In the context of the health crisis, the King concluded his traditional speech with a message “to young people”. “Your youth may seem to you in part sacrificed. Yes, it is momentarily put in parentheses. But soon you will once again be able to spread your wings, make your dreams come true, and inspire us to build a better future together ”, underlined King Philippe.
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