Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Residents and officials in the city centre of Ghent reported hearing intermittent Tarzan cries after January 12, 2025, which created widespread curiosity. Speculation about the source ranges from a prank to a promotional stunt for an upcoming musical, with some linking it to an art project reminiscent of the “Over The Edges” initiative from 25 years ago.
The city streets of Ghent have been mysteriously filled with Tarzan-like cries throughout the recent weeks. Research on the origin of these noises has been inconclusive because experts cannot determine where they come from, thus sparking theories that they could be a prank or marketing for future musical productions.
People from local government offices, along with community residents, have identified these particular sounds during which the community experienced both curiosity and amusement. The reports reveal intermittent Tarzan shouts that specifically occur near important areas, including Vlaanderenstraat Laurentplein and Sint-Anna, which generate intrigue throughout the city.
Local media began to take notice of the mysterious occurrences starting on January 12 because social media users recorded Tarzan-style sounds at Vlaanderenstraat in Ghent. One user described their experience:
“I suddenly heard a loud and typical Tarzan cry; I could not identify where it came from. Who else heard it?”
This prompted various reactions, with some individuals expressing disbelief while others confirmed they had also heard the sounds.
“I heard it when I was walking through the city with a foreign visitor. He thought it was a call to prayer,”
Someone explained on Facebook. VRT NWS received questions about the sound several times.
“We hear it every now and then, probably a silly joker,”
It continues.
“Officially, there are no complaints about Tarzan shouts,” reports Matto Langeraert of the police.
Matto Langeraert from the police noted that there have been no formal complaints regarding the cries, suggesting that it might be a prank:
“We hear it every now and then, probably a silly joker.”
The cries have also been reported at Laurentplein and Sint-Anna, with locals speculating about their origin. Christophe De Torck from Tempo Team suggested they could be linked to a promotional stunt for “The Legend of Tarzan,” set to premiere at the Capitole theatre. His organisation has not taken part in this initiative, although he confirmed it. The city has historical ties to such artistic expressions; 25 years ago, similar cries were part of an art project called “Over The Edges,” organised by Jan Hoet at SMAK. The recent attention on Ghent’s artistic heritage emerged because of its ongoing hauntings that surround the empty provincial government structure. Residential area inhabitants now suspect the provincial cellars. Local observers suggest that voices stem from artistic elements established on the nearby street.
Artist Jan Hoet Junior opens the door as the second-generation son of the art pope. He established these exhibition spaces in expansive areas.
“From Thursday to Sunday, we are open in the afternoon. There is work on display by Belgian and Italian artists. “During opening hours, we occasionally let out the Tarzan cry.”
Hoet Junior has spared no expense or effort.
“On the top floor of the building, he has set up large speakers in front of the open windows. “If we don’t open them, they jump because of the sound. I have heard that the screams can sometimes be heard as far away as the Gentbrugse Meersen.”
“It’s not just a popular slogan. This is a work by the Spanish-Belgian Emilio López Menchero. It was played simultaneously in 2000, during ‘Over The Edges’ at 3 locations. A quarter of a century later I play it again every now and then. It’s a tribute. There’s no regularity to it, we want to attract people to the expo.”
What is the historical significance of Tarzan’s yell?
Edgar Rice Burroughs originated the Tarzan yell for his character before Johnny Weissmuller made it famous through his film performances beginning in 1932. Being a cultural centre since its past, Ghent maintains its artistic essence, with about 30% of its people actively participating in cultural practices. Throughout the years, the city organised many art festivals and exhibitions, which made it popular as a cultural centre across Belgium.
As this latest mystery unfolds, it serves as a reminder of Ghent’s vibrant artistic community and its ability to engage residents and visitors alike through unexpected and creative expressions. The phenomenon also resonates with Ghent’s historical context; 25 years ago, Jan Hoet’s “Over The Edges” project featured unconventional art installations throughout the city. Ghent’s cultural legacy from this historical moment actively influenced modern artists and cultural initiatives that shaped the city’s active cultural environment.
