Flemish students have broken the world record for the largest 'alcohol-free mass cantus' or student drinking evening. On Tuesday night 327 students from the Flemish Free University of Brussels (VUB) took part. 270 students had set the previous record.
The alcohol-free mass cantus kicked off around 5pm on Tuesday evening with an introductory word from VUB rector Jan Danckaert and VUB alumnus and former Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal Open VLD). The cantus or student drinking evening at which student songs are sung lasted until 8:15 PM.
The first alcohol-free cantus at the VUB formed part of the university's substance policy, launched in 2023 to make students aware of responsible substance use. ‘Students had expressed concern about the use of alcohol and other substances among the student population,’ the university said.
Better in tune
The goal was for 500 students to participate. That target was not met, but with 327 students participating, the university still secured the world record. ‘It was an enjoyable experience, a cantus with all students in rhythm. During previous editions with alcohol, we lost rhythm after half an hour and now everyone can keep singing along. There was a lot of atmosphere and enthusiasm,' says student Stefanie Mulder.
'The alcohol-free mass cantus fits in perfectly with our substance policy. We want to dispel the myth that being a student necessarily involves alcohol consumption. This alcohol-free mass cantus allows us to show that partying without alcohol can be just as much fun,’ says Katia Smirnova, coordinator Student Life at the VUB. ‘We also hope to lower the threshold for students who are not comfortable with the traditional cantus often organised by student fraternities.’