Just a few more hours to go and then carnival will end at 11.11 am. In Boxtel, temporarily renamed Indegat, they always set a duck on fire on the last holiday. Not real, but a crafted version. The bonfire symbolically closes the youth carnival. Thousands of people came to watch the burning. It was a moment of laughter and tears. “It is a great pity, but the good thing is: next year they can build a new one.”
With the burning of the duck, the official part of the youth carnival in Boxtel is over. It was the 55th time that a duck was set on fire in accordance with tradition by the youth prince and princess.
Because of the 55th anniversary, the duck was extra festive this year. The feathered bird was made of fluorescent material, which immediately attracted the attention of the hundreds of children upon its entrance to the square.
One of the young spectators, expectantly hanging from a crush barrier: “It’s the best party of the year.” With a minus. Because he is disappointed that the beautiful yellow duck is now going up in flames. “Yes, it’s a real shame. It was a very nice duck.” But the good thing is, next year they can just build a new one”, it sounds elated.
“It’s very sad, this moment.”
A girl on the side agrees: Somewhat disappointed: “I’m sorry that the duck is being set on fire.” But that tender sadness quickly turns into pleasure and a lot of pride. “My sister will soon have him extinguish.”
After the hoarse-throated prince of Indegat introduces the youthful prince and princess, the fire-breather’s moment arrives. He blows the torch, the duck lights up in the light and if he could have chattered, this was his last chance.
Because the youthful highnesses soon put the torch in the duck that experiences a flaming end. “It is very sad, this moment,” says the youth prince. “It’s the end of carnival. But this is a nice way to say goodbye to it,” while holding the glowing torch tightly.