On Tuesday evening, 29 April, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) organised its first alcohol-free mass cantus. The event brought together 327 students, with which the university breaks the current world record of 270 participants at an alcohol-free cantus.
The alcohol-free mass cantus began Tuesday evening around 5 p.m. with an opening speech by VUB rector Jan Danckaert and VUB alumnus and former prime minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD). The event ran until 8:15 p.m. It became an evening full of singing and student-like solidarity.
“I find it pleasant to experience a cantus in rhythm together with all the students. In previous alcohol editions we lose the rhythm after half an hour, and now everyone is still singing along. There is a lot of atmosphere and enthusiasm,” says VUB student Stefanie Mulder.
The alcohol-free cantus was part of the substance policy of the VUB, which was launched in 2023 to make students aware of responsible substance use. Students indicated they were concerned about the use of alcohol and other substances within the student population.
That’s why the university, in collaboration with students, developed a policy aimed at prevention and awareness-raising.
That policy creates a clear framework around what is and is not tolerated on the VUB campuses, and is intended as a guideline for a safe and constructive environment that stimulates healthy choices.
“The alcohol-free mass cantus fits perfectly within our substance policy.
With this we want to debunk the myth that being student-like necessarily goes hand in hand with alcohol use.
With this alcohol-free mass cantus we want to show that partying without alcohol can be just as fun,” says Katia Smirnova, Coordinator of Student Life at the VUB.
“We also hope to lower the threshold for students who do not feel comfortable with traditional cantuses, often organised by student associations.
By keeping it alcohol-free and organising the event from within the VUB, we want to invite all students to experience this tradition.”