The annual highlight of student folklore at VUB is the St V parade.That day VUB and her sister university ULB commemorate the founder of the university, Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen. In his memory students abundantly celebrate the core values of our university, i.e. free inquiry. No reason to stay away, since classes are suspended all day.
For VUB students there is only one saint: the one that founded their university, opposing Catholic tradition and putting academic freedom at the heart of science, following the main ideas of Enlightenment: liberty, equality and brotherhood.
A parody saint
The name Saint-Verhaegen, or St V, parodies the catholic religion that ruled our region during the Middle Ages and beyond. Evidently, the Vatican never proclaimed the founder of a free thinking, rebellious university a saint. But the students do, year after year, raising their glasses against dogma and suppression.
Flowers and beer
In the morning there will be an academic celebration. VUB and ULB officials will pay respect to Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen by laying flowers on his grave. After, students and staff will gather at the city center for a huge party. They usually parade to La Bourse in the heart of the city.
Both locations have symbolic value, since they historically connect the bourgeoisie district with the poorer part of town. The underlying meaning of the student parade is to mock the aristocrats and show solidarity with the poor.
Party village
The parade used to involve trucks, however that aspect was cut in 2016. The loud music and kegs of beer were fortunately upheld, as were the student fanfare and deejays. Afterwards, students will spread out in town and continue their party, that is if they’re still standing. If you plan on joining the student festivities, please do not wear your best suit, but dress casual and warm. Last but not least: bring a large plastic cup for beer. Join us on November 20th!