This year, St V is marked by a powerful theme: "The Failure to Uphold the Geneva Conventions." Nils Mens, External Vice President of the Brussels Student Society (BSG), explains how BSG and the Association des Cercles Etudiants (ACE) of the ULB aim to raise awareness of the importance of humanitarian law. “Our slogans highlight the harrowing impact of disregarding these fundamental treaties. With ‘Violation of humanitarian law, it’s the people we bury’ and ‘Respect the treaties, stay true to Verhaegen,’ we want to remind everyone of the need to protect innocent lives.”

Every year, members of the university communities of VUB and ULB honour their shared founder, Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen. The Saint Verhaegen commemoration remains a unique opportunity to come together, demonstrating our continued commitment to the founding spirit of our universities.

Full programme can be found here

Why This Theme?

The 2024 theme was chosen by the member associations of BSG and ACE, out of concern over the declining state of international law and the worldwide impact of violations. “Geopolitical tensions make this call more urgent than ever,” says Nils. The message is clear: governments across the globe must consider the consequences of their actions, especially for civilians who are innocently caught up in conflicts.

St V-medaille 2024

The Medal: Lady Justice in Chains

This year’s St V medal, designed by a VUB student, delivers a powerful statement. The design features Lady Justice holding a book of the Geneva Conventions alongside a missile, symbolising the brutal nature of warfare and its associated breaches. Lady Justice, however, is restrained and silenced by figures in suits—a metaphor for political leaders who prioritise self-interest over humanitarian values. The red octagonal border serves as a distress signal, much like a "STOP" sign, calling for respect for international law.

Tradition, Protest, and Connection

St V is more than a celebration; it is a moment when students reflect on fundamental social issues. This theme of protest, rooted in the original resistance to authoritarian governance at ULB, remains relevant, Nils emphasises: “Students experience St V as a time to voice their thoughts on issues close to their hearts.” The event provides a chance to step back from daily academic life and return to the roots of free expression and protest, with a celebration of unity and pride at its core.

Last year’s theme, mental health, left a lasting impact. According to Nils, students are now more mindful of their mental well-being, taking time to pause more often. “It’s helped many realise they’re allowed to set boundaries,” he adds.

The Zavelfeest and Student Traditions

St V wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Zavelfeest. This year, BSG committee members eagerly anticipate another intense yet fulfilling day ending with meatballs in tomato sauce and a shared pint at La Jefke. For students, it’s not just a celebration of their university days, but a moment to forge strong memories and keep the spirit of Brussels’ student life alive.

With this impactful theme and a call to champion humanitarian rights, St V promises once again to be a celebration that both resonates and unites, with respect for the past and the future.

The Origins and Tradition of Saint V

Every year on 20 November, ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) honour their founder, Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen, during Saint V. Organised by the Brussels Student Society and the Association des Cercles Etudiants, this festive event draws hundreds of students from both VUB and ULB. An eclectic mix of students, alumni, researchers, and professors from both liberal universities gathers in the Brussels Sablon and then proceeds to the Stock Exchange. For the public, the vibrant parade is the most striking part of Saint V, each year drawing attention to a political or social theme.

However, the festivities start in the morning with a solemn segment, where the VUB and ULB leadership and student organisations pay homage not only to Théodore Verhaegen but also to other important humanist figures. They do this by laying flowers and giving speeches in memory of Brussels university resistance fighters and students who gave their lives during the world wars.

The origins of this celebration go back to 1888, when students called for a more open and less dogmatic attitude from university authorities. They appealed to the anti-clerical and Enlightenment ideals of Pierre-ThĂ©odore Verhaegen, the university’s founder. To reinforce their message, they laid flowers at Verhaegen’s grave. However, this gesture was mocked in the press, with the newspaper Le Patriote ridiculing the students by canonising Verhaegen. The students embraced this nickname, soon calling their hero “Saint Verhaegen.”

In 2019, Saint V was recognised as part of Brussels’ intangible cultural heritage, acknowledging the historical significance and tradition of this event. It remains a vivid reminder of the shared values of academic freedom and humanism celebrated annually by both universities.

Medals from the CAVA archive can be found here.*

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.

On the Grave and Legacy of Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen