Have you ever flipped through old pictures of lively dancers or glitzy parties and wondered what everyday life was like back then? The 1920s marked a time of incredible transformation, bursting with fresh styles, upbeat music, and daring ideas that would leave a mark for generations. Now, a century later, 2025 is breathing new life into that bold, influential decade. Around the world, people are finding creative ways to revisit the spirit of those years by restoring monuments, gathering for themed events, and exploring stories not often told. Together, we’ll dive into how folks are highlighting the past, what made those years unforgettable, and why that legacy still has an impact today. Let’s take a closer look!

The Vibe of the Roaring Twenties

To see why this centennial matters, it helps to look at what made those years stand out. The 1920s brought enormous change and a burst of excitement. After the end of World War I, people were eager to move past hardship and strict rules. There was a strong desire for fun, freedom, and new experiences, leading many to challenge old traditions and enjoy life’s pleasures.

This was the dawn of the Jazz Age, a period when music took on a faster pace and a more daring sound. People could now gather around radios in their living rooms and hear the same popular tunes as friends across the country. For many families, cars became a realistic dream due to innovations by Henry Ford, making weekend trips and new adventures possible. Everything felt fresh and full of promise. That same sense of hopefulness and excitement is at the heart of the centennial activities in 2025. We are capturing what it meant to look forward after years of struggle.

Art Deco Returns in 2025

One story you won’t hear everywhere is just how much attention the Art Deco style is getting this year. This fresh, eye-catching look became all the rage a century ago, featuring dramatic angles, vivid colors, and touches of sparkle, like gold or steel finishes. Picture the glamorous scenes from The Great Gatsby or glance up at New York’s glittering skyscrapers, and you’ll spot this distinct look right away.

This year, celebrations are putting a bright spotlight on this design movement by restoring and reopening iconic spaces. One standout is the Stoclet House in Brussels, now making headlines as it welcomes visitors for the first time in years. Known for its striking architecture and place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the building spent decades shrouded in mystery, closed to the outside world. In 2025, the doors open at last, giving people a rare chance to step inside and admire the artistic detail and craftsmanship from a century ago. It’s less about nostalgia and more about letting new generations appreciate creativity from a pivotal time.

Historic hotels are getting in on the excitement too. The famous Hotel Metropole in Brussels is reopening its doors in 2025 after a major renovation. Embracing the elegance of the Belle Époque and the distinctive flair of Art Deco, the hotel feels like stepping into another era. Guests will enjoy the kind of lavish details and experiences that thrilled visitors a hundred years ago, proving that true style and comfort never really go out of fashion.

Route 66 and the Spirit of Adventure

Life in the twenties was also about getting out and exploring. As cars became part of everyday life, families could hit the open road in ways they never had before. This sense of wanderlust is taking center stage in 2025, especially with big plans to commemorate the founding of the legendary Route 66. Even though the highway officially opened in 1926, people are starting their celebrations ahead of the anniversary, focusing on what it meant for travel, adventure, and new opportunities in America.

In Kingman, Arizona, the Route 66 Museum is putting on an event called "A Night at the Route 66 Museum." Scheduled for November 15, 2025, this gathering invites guests to step back in time with a Twenties-themed casino night. The festivities are designed to link local heritage with the adventurous spirit of the era. Attendees will don vintage-inspired outfits, like sharp suits and sparkling dresses, as they try their luck with classic games set in an inviting, retro-inspired atmosphere.

Secret bars, known as speakeasies, popped up during this era of hidden nightlife. With alcohol banned in the United States due to Prohibition, folks found creative ways to keep the party going: by gathering in tucked-away clubs instead of public venues. The Kingman gathering brings those secretive thrills back (all above board this time) with lively jazz bands and even magic acts. It's more than just entertainment; it also signals the start of Route 66’s centennial festivities, which will carry on into the following year. All this proves the excitement, curiosity, and joy from the 1920s are still alive and well along this iconic stretch of American road.

The Cultural Explosion: More Than Just Flappers

The image of flappers (young women with bobbed hair, shorter hemlines, and bold attitudes) often comes to mind when thinking about that era. Their style and choices challenged old ideas and opened new possibilities for women. But change wasn’t just about clothing or breaking the rules. The real excitement ran much deeper, stretching into art, books, music, and even the way people saw themselves and the world around them.

Literature and the arts flourished during this time, and the results still shape what we read and watch today. In 2025, readers and history enthusiasts are also reflecting on the “Lost Generation”: a creative circle that included writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who lived in Paris during those years. Their stories captured an era of searching and a sense of uncertainty that followed the end of the conflict.

Events such as the Printemps de l'Art Déco festival in Northern France pay tribute to buildings restored after World War I. Having faced great destruction, this area used the 1920s as an opportunity to rebuild with fresh design and optimism. Exploring these locations in 2025 highlights just how much determination and hope can transform even the hardest-hit places. It’s a moving example of turning adversity into something innovative and welcoming.

Even the world of watchmaking is joining the celebration. This year, high-end brands are rolling out new timepieces inspired by the bold shapes and stunning geometry that made the 1920s so iconic. All across design, from architecture to jewelry, makers are blending classic elements with modern trends, each adding their own creative spin to honor the lasting influence of that unforgettable age.

Why We Are Obsessed with the 1920s

You may be asking yourself why the stories and culture of the past still get so much attention a hundred years later. What is it about that point in history that sparks so many conversations in 2025? Much of the fascination comes from the ways our lives now echo the experiences of those earlier generations.

Much like a century ago, recent years have brought real challenges and uncertainty across the globe. Issues like health crises and financial shifts have pushed people to reconsider how they live and what comes next. Reflecting on the events of the past gives us practical lessons for resilience. It shows that, after tough stretches, communities can move into phases full of fun, invention, and positive change, reminding everyone there’s hope for better days ahead.

New inventions of the 1920s (like the radio, affordable cars, and talking movies) reshaped everyday life and brought people closer together. In our own time, changes led by artificial intelligence and online platforms feel just as dramatic. By marking this 100-year milestone, we do more than celebrate; we search for lessons and motivation to meet today’s fast-paced changes with creativity and confidence.

How to Join the Celebration

There’s no need to travel far to get involved in the excitement this year. The atmosphere of those historic times can be recreated in your own community. Across the globe, people are finding unique ways to join in the fun and remembrance from home. Consider these creative options being embraced worldwide:

  • Music: Listen to jazz playlists. Platforms like Spotify have curated lists specifically for "Printemps de l'Art Déco" and other 20s themes.
  • Reading: Pick up a book by F. Scott Fitzgerald or learn about the Harlem Renaissance, a massive explosion of African American art and culture that happened in New York during the 1920s.
  • Fashion: Notice the trends. You might see more geometric patterns, metallic fabrics, and drop-waist dresses in stores this year.
  • Local History: Check if your local museum is hosting an exhibit. Many towns have buildings from the 1920s that might be hosting tours or open houses this year.

The 1920s were about so much more than lively gatherings; they reflected a new outlook on life and a drive to shape a brighter tomorrow. Folks channeled joy, courage, and creativity as they moved forward, leaving difficult years behind. Now, as 2025 shines a light on this remarkable chapter, we get to rediscover those same qualities. Whether it’s walking through Stoclet House or enjoying themed festivities along American highways, people everywhere are celebrating ingenuity and perseverance. By exploring what happened then and how it still touches us, we gain ideas and hope to carry into our own times, maybe even finding our own reasons for optimism in the years ahead.