Joyous Entry | 2014-18.brussels

Molenbeek on 22 November 1918: The crowd acclaimed the troops coming back from the Yser. Belgian and allied soldiers had been arriving in small groups for a week. At first they came dispersed and randomly, much unlike an official liberation. The “Joyous Entry” of 22 November established a more classical liberation ritual.

That day, Belgian soldiers entered Brussels in procession. The city was decorated with national colours, and provisional monuments were built hastily. The contemporary press described general enthusiasm as “delirious”. By this massive procession, the people symbolically retook the city. The aftermath of the war had begun.