Saint Verhaegen

Saint Verhaegen is an annual student celebration in Brussels, Belgium, held every 20 November to commemorate the founding of the Free University of Brussels. The event features a lively parade, ceremonies, and tributes, drawing together students, alumni, and staff from the city’s French- and Dutch-speaking universities.

• Held every 20 November in Brussels
• Honours the founder of the Free University of Brussels
• Features a student parade and themed festivities
• Manneken Pis is dressed in university attire
• Recognised as intangible cultural heritage since 2019

What it is

Saint Verhaegen, affectionately known as St V or Sint-V, is a spirited annual gathering that unites the student communities of Brussels. Marking the anniversary of the Free University of Brussels, it is both a festive and symbolic occasion. The event blends commemoration with satire, celebrating the values of free inquiry and freedom of expression that its founder, Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen, championed. Students, alumni, and professors from both the Université libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel come together for a day that is as much about tradition as it is about social critique and camaraderie. Over time, Saint Verhaegen has become a cherished part of Brussels’ cultural heritage, recognised for its unique mix of ceremony and revelry.

Where it comes from

The roots of Saint Verhaegen stretch back to the 19th century, when the Free University of Brussels opened its doors on 20 November 1834. Early celebrations were informal, with alumni gathering for drinks and banquets. The first official Saint Verhaegen took place in 1888, as students paid tribute to their founder with a procession and flower-laying ceremony. The event’s name and playful tone were inspired by a parody of Saint Nicholas festivities at a rival university, reflecting a freethinking and humanist spirit. Over the decades, the celebration grew, incorporating parades, tributes to figures of free thought, and traditions that responded to the changing times and social climate.

How it is celebrated

On 20 November, Brussels comes alive with the colours and sounds of Saint Verhaegen. The day typically begins with formal ceremonies, including visits to statues and monuments honouring Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen, the Unknown Soldier, and other symbols of resistance and free inquiry. In the afternoon, a vibrant parade winds through the city, with students donning sashes, waving banners, and riding decorated floats. University associations set up stands around the Grand Sablon, and the famous Manneken Pis statue is dressed in student attire. Singing, music, and playful antics are common, and each year’s festivities are shaped by a new theme, often reflecting current events or social issues. Safety measures and responsible drinking campaigns have become part of the modern celebration, but the day remains a joyful expression of student identity and community.

Joining in

Visitors in Brussels on 20 November can experience Saint Verhaegen in the heart of the city, especially around the Grand Sablon and along the parade route. Expect lively crowds, music, and a festive atmosphere as students and alumni celebrate their university’s heritage. While the main activities are student-led, the event is open to the public, and onlookers are welcome to watch the parade, enjoy the decorated floats, and witness traditions like the dressing of Manneken Pis. It’s a chance to see Brussels’ student folklore in action and to join in a celebration that is both historical and full of youthful energy.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Saint Verhaegen, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Saint Verhaegen on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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