Bergen op Zoom, Krabbegat during carnival, turned out en masse on Saturday afternoon to attend the entry and key transfer of Prince Wannes III. With that, Vastenavend, as carnival is called in Bergen, has officially kicked off and the fun can begin.
The closer you got to the Grote Markt in Krabbegat on Saturday afternoon, the busier it became. No one wanted to miss the key handover. There are a striking number of beautifully dressed people, and many wear a mask. The carnival in this city, pardon Vastenavend, always looks beautiful.
An endless procession of mop orchestras passed the steps of the town hall. The route of the prince from the station to the town hall was not long, but due to the large crowds, the journey was somewhat delayed. It didn’t bother the partygoers. On the sun-drenched Markt, people enjoyed the party music, a beer and the beautiful outfits of carnival celebrants.
I love Krabbegat
A young couple stood in front of the steps, watching. He wore a hat that read: I love Krabbegat. “You don’t want to miss the entry into Krabbegat, it’s the best thing there is, he says. Krabbegat is always fun.” It is the first Vastenavend in Krabbegat for his girlfriend from Belgium. Carnival is celebrated much less in Flanders. “It is really a very special experience, I love it,” said the Flemish.
Mayor Frank Petter van Bergen op Zoom stood on the platform to hand over the key to his city: “Isn’t it wonderful, look at that Market, completely full. And people are still coming. I’m so happy with it, everyone is delirious with joy. That it can all be done again and we can enjoy the fun together, fantastic.”
The mayor does not mind handing over the key to the city: “I have every confidence in Prince Wannes the third. And I can mop the floor for a few days, which is also nice.”
Friends from the past
The massive audience on the Market is visibly enjoying the spectacle: “Yes, it’s finally possible again and we’re happy about that,” says Ria from Halsteren. A little further on is Ton, who is dressed as a jester. He originally comes from Krabbegat and always goes back to his hometown with Vastenand: “I think it’s wonderful and fun to For a moment catching up with old friends.”
You can experience Carnival in Roeptoetgat! Follow everything about carnival www.roeptoetgat.nl