Now that the relaxations are known, all of Limburg is working hastily on the preparations for carnival. There is a positive mood, although a lot has to be arranged.
“We really did not expect this,” confesses Heerlen pub owner Rick Eussen on L1 radio.
“I really thought they would lift most relaxations over Carnival for a while, but now it suddenly becomes a party without all kinds of restrictions,” says Eussen, who is also chairman of the Pancratiusplein Zuid Foundation.
Consultation
On Wednesday he will consult with other catering entrepreneurs with the municipality about what is still possible. For example, tapping points will be placed outside, extra toilet units will be installed and security will be arranged. The tent on the square, which is still around the ice rink, will remain standing during the carnival. It’s too late to organize events or parades, but the pub owners don’t care about that. “We don’t actually know what to expect, but it is clear that it will be busy,” said Eussen.
Brikke Oave Brunssum
While small halls and cafes will soon have no restrictions, this will still be the case for indoor locations where more than 500 people come in. There will be a so-called 1G obligation. A negative test is required. The De Brikke Oave conference center in Brunssum offers space for 1500 visitors, but the owner does not want to go that far. “I’d rather fewer people, but who can party without all kinds of obligations. We are going to use a room that can accommodate 500 people. The final preparations are now being made for that,” explains owner Jeffrey Lutgens.
King Carnival
Lutgens is hopeful that the carnival event King Carnival can even take place on the nearby square this year. “We have already made agreements with the municipality for this. Until three days ago, my papers for carnival were still in a corner of the desk. That is different now. I did not expect this.” Lutgens had planned a meeting immediately after the press conference to settle the last matters. During the carnival days, the revelers are welcome every day and a program is put together with DJs and artists.