Archival sources offer a fascinating glimpse into pastimes between the two world wars. Documents highlight the rise of cinema as a mass entertainment, with films shown in increasingly crowded theatres, while posters and programs reflect the excitement for the first sound films. Period photographs show parks and squares filled with families who, despite economic hardships, found moments of leisure during their free time, with Sunday outings and soccer matches. Newspaper and magazine reports celebrated new sports and recreational clubs, meeting places where society found relief from political and social tensions.
This photograph on glass captures a young woman during a picnic in a park in Chaves. In these years, the bourgeoisie began to frequent urban green spaces as places of leisure; and as cameras became cheaper and easier to carry, spontaneous, non-studio photographs also became to spread. This shot was taken by Portuguese florist merchant, amateur photographer, republican revolutionary, and cinema pioneer Aurélio da Paz dos Reis, in 1922.
Another photograph from 1922, now in the Gelders Archives, shows the Müller Kühlental family on vacation: both images were taken at the Grand Hotel in Gardone Riviera, Italy. Beneath one of the two images, the caption reads "The Three Graces".
From the hotel terraces to the dining rooms: here is the menu for Jacob's 70th birthday, celebrated on February 9, 1924. Six courses were served at lunch, from appetizers to fruit, and there were also moments of entertainment: on the back of the menu, a welcome song and a humorous and celebratory poem are printed, highlighting the qualities of the party for Dr. Aletta Jacobs from A to Z, set to the melody of the ABC.
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Today we are going to the theater!
In 20th century the theater is one of the most popular places for entertainment and culture (including experimental culture); and from an architectural perspective, the archives witness the emergence of new buildings and the reinvention of historic spaces.
The postcard album held in the Stadtarchiv Karlsruhe shows the court theater of Karlsruhe (in German Hoftheater), which was built in the 18th century. This aerial view captures not only the architectural beauty of the theater but also Karlsruhe's cultural significance as an artistic center and ducal residence.
This is a photograph of Darmstadt, Hessisches Landesmuseum und Theater in 1930: the city was particularly vibrant culturally, with the theater and the museum located in the same district.
Also from 1930 comes this photograph held in the Carrière-Liebig family archives, which documents the appearance of the theater in Hanau am Main.
Free time also concerns children, and throughout history, numerous recreational activities have been organized for them, especially on important occasions such as national celebrations or royal events. In 1937, during the festivities for the coronation of King George VI various initiatives were organized across the British Empire, including colonies like Malta, to celebrate the occasion.
This photo shows the parade in Gozo in 1937
Among these activities, one of the most significant for children was a tea party held in the prestigious Rialto theater in Cospicua. This event was aimed at children and provided an opportunity to involve them in the celebrations in a festive and child-friendly manner.
Tea parties were very common social events in the United Kingdom and its colonies during that period, especially for royal celebrations. They were an elegant yet informal way to include young people in the festivities. Children were invited to hotels or public spaces, where they could enjoy sweets, tea, or other light refreshments, play together, and often participate in small themed ceremonies or performances.
Between the two world wars, the tradition of organizing outdoor musical events became widespread in urban areas, especially in town squares and parks.
This is a postcard, published in the periodical "Les Vosges", with a concert setup in a park in Contrexéville in 1929.
Marching bands were particularly popular, especially in town squares and during village festivals, where they performed marches, patriotic anthems, and lighter musical pieces. While cities embraced new rhythms from across the ocean, traditional festivals and fairs continued to be important outdoor gatherings, featuring folk music played on instruments like the accordion, mandolin, and guitar.
Here is the poster for the music festival organized in Paris on February 1st by the Unified Union of Ceramic and Chemical Workers.
Art in the interwar period (1918-1939) thrived amid intense innovation and social upheaval, shaped by the aftermath of World War I and the looming approach of World War II. This era saw artists breaking from traditional aesthetics, exploring new themes and forms.
International exhibitions, such as the 1937 International Exposition in Paris, became arenas for both artistic expression and political messaging, highlighting ideological clashes between nations.
The national pavilions hosted artworks, performances and a lot of events. This photograph shows La Cobla Catalana in the theater of the Spanish pavilion.
One powerful example about the dialogue (or the conflict) between art and politics was Picasso’s Guernica, displayed in the Spanish pavilion as a stark protest against the horrors of war.
The great artwork is a sort of testament to the horror of the Spanish Civil War and the frequent bombing of the civilian population, as was the case with one that occurred in the town of Guernica (Vizcaya) on April 26, 1937.
Throughout history, leisure activities have provided soldiers with essential relaxation and stress relief, especially during wars. Soldiers enjoyed activities like football games, theater, concerts, card games, and reading to boost morale. Some armies even organized shows with professional entertainers to lift spirits at the front lines. These photographs, held in the Lithuanian National Archive, depict moments of leisure among Lithuanian troops between the two World Wars:
An acrobatic performance by cadets from the First Military School of the President of Lithuania (1929).
Officers from the 7th Infantry Regiment of the Duke of Žemaitija Butigeidis climbing sand dunes in Nida (1929).
Soldiers from the 6th Regiment of the Infantry Legion of the Polish Army in a summer camp (1918-1940).
Soldiers engaged in a snowball fight on a cold day (1918-1940).
Soldiers relaxing on the beach (1918-1940).
Between the two wars, sports emerged as a form of mass entertainment and a growing social phenomenon. Events like the Olympics and football championships brought millions of people together through a shared passion for competition. Disciplines such as boxing, baseball, and cycling, championed by legendary athletes, captured the hearts of an ever-growing audience. Stadiums and arenas were packed with spectators, while the radio made it possible to follow events from home, broadening their reach. Sports thus became a symbol of hope and unity, offering moments of leisure during a period marked by economic crises and international tensions.
Here two pictures of football clubs:
1926, Archives départementales de l'Hérault
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