To this day, this historic event is regarded as a symbol of freedom, self-determination and Flemish identity. To mark the occasion, the General Delegate of Flanders, Mr Bart Brosius, hosted a reception at the Belgian Embassy. In his speech, he also referred to the approximately 1,600 varieties of beer, the majority of which originate from Flanders – the heart of Belgian beer culture – with its well-known and time-honoured breweries. Belgian beer culture – not just Flemish beer culture – was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. This recognition honours not only the act of brewing itself, but also the centuries-old traditions, the beer culture in cafés and breweries, the diversity of beer styles, and the passing on of the brewing craft. At the reception, Flanders celebrated its history, language and vibrant culture.