Tielt is Flanders’ new “solace capital city” and will host 1 November festival honouring grief and loss

Tielt in West Flanders is the new “solace capital city”, a place that has made great efforts to support its residents in the grieving process. Every year the organization Reveil designates a Troosthoofdstad. Troost is a Dutch word that refers to comforting people who have suffered a loss.

Reveil is a non-profit organization dedicated to “grief culture”, helping people to embrace others who are grieving rather than finding it awkward and not knowing what to say. It is focused on ensuring that people do not become isolated, as studies have shown that people who lose a partner also lose 40% of their social network.

Over 15 years, Reveil has grown into a unmissable part of Flemish culture, organising concerts in cemeteries on 1 November (All Saints’ Day) that feature popular artists. It also brings organisations together for conferences and works with municipalities on policies governing mourning and loss. Cities can take part in Reveil’s Troosttrajecten, or solace program.

The solace program kicks into high gear in October, in the lead-up to All Saints’ Day, with organizations, youth groups, businesses and other members of the community carrying out activities around the topic of grieving and comfort.

Of the eight municipalities chosen for a solace program, one is selected to be the the solace capital. In last year’s programs, Tielt – on the eastern border of West Flanders – stood out for the passion with which its residents embraced the program. “We have honestly never seen such enthusiasm and warmth,” says Pieter Deknudt of Reveil. “That’s why we chose Tielt to be the capital city.”

That means that the town of just 20,000 residents will host this year’s big 1 November festival, which is broadcast live and brings some of Flanders’ most famous musicians to the stage. Of the now seven municipalities that have been named solace capitals, all but one have been in West Flanders.

“You might think that the people of West Flanders are not very good at showing their emotions and vulnerability,” says Deknudt. “But it is really heartwarming that every year we have a such a wonderful place there that opens itself up to this. West Flanders really seems to understand the spirit of Reveil.”

Tielt will once again carry out activities in October, such as concerts and poetry readings. In the local cafes, people can request a song that helps them cope, which will be played in the cafes via the Radio Reveil initiative. A playlist will be developed with the locals’ favourite songs that they find comforting in times of loss.