It was quite a spectacle, the Grand Parade that passed through the center of Breda on Monday afternoon. With imposing carnival floats, fun acts and lots of colorful outfits. Safari ladies with monkeys between their legs, a hairy night nurse, a bright yellow chicken and a floral curtain, our photographer captured the most beautiful Kielegatters.
Yellow chicken Brian (31) and little clown Tessa (28)
“Every Carnival Monday I go to the parade in Breda like a bright yellow chicken. Normally I also take twelve eggs with me. If there is a curious child, I bend over and let an egg roll out of my trouser leg. But I was still there this morning so broke that I left them alone.” Tessa: “I worked in the hospitality industry for years, that was really hard work and surviving. Tapping beers and continuing, non-stop. Now I’m nice and free and I can immerse myself in the carnival party here.”
Venetian Angel Agatha (65)
“I come from the Westland and have been traveling to Breda during carnival for at least ten years to enjoy the parade. This time we came with 40 people, in a large bus. A dress-up party where I pull out all the stops to look as look as beautiful as possible, I think it’s great. Even my nails get cheerful colors. At home I am a member of a carnival association, De Blauwkonters. That name originated from the blue dungarees that the gardeners all used to wear. When the trousers were washed, hung them to dry on the clothesline and then the wind would blow like that, go all the butts.”
Siberian navigators Lars (50) and Patrick (28, ahem)
“After floating on the Siberian Sea for three weeks, we have just docked in the port of Breda. Our cutter had some defects, that’s why. We are here on the hunt for women who smell like fish. And we don’t throw back the by-catch, haha!”
Sheep Lynn (30) and unicorn Marion (58)
“Celebrating life and hanging the garlands ourselves, that’s what my mother and I do. My father passed away this year from the effects of cancer and in this way we honor him and the positive way he was in life. If he looked a little too deep into the glass, he always shouted ‘Mèèèh!’. That’s why I wrapped myself in a sheepskin. It’s double to be here, but he’s very close to us.”
Night nurse Ferry (37)
“For ten years I’ve been wearing a nurse’s costume during carnival. I’ve evolved, you know. I now have glasses, my hair is getting longer and my breasts are getting bigger. And I treat myself to cheerful plasters. Carnival means a lot of fun for me. It should not be too practical, but just nice and crazy. That you can hardly go to the toilet because your suit is so difficult to take off. Yesterday I was Sinterklaas, then I could hardly pee.”
Safari babes Miranda (41) and Amber (19)
“We are here on safari with our monkeys. Every year we come from Rozenburg to the Kielegat to admire the parade. The atmosphere, the fraternity and that you can be who you are, that makes these days unique. If only we were born here .”
Exotic bird Angelique (39)
“This is the fifteenth time that I am traveling south from Rotterdam for a carnival party. What attracts me so much? The atmosphere, the togetherness. It is just a wonderful day where you can be completely yourself. And for me that means that I I’m not a mom for a while.”
Strong cracks Chantal (74) and Loïs (73)
“After four carnival days, this is how we feel: old and worn out. The beer and the walking stick keep us going. Today is the last day, then we go home again. We have been happily married for 50 years. And we will stay come to the parade in Kielegat, even if we have to push each other next year.”
Flower curtain Sandra (55)
“A lot of people have peeked behind my curtain today. I actually wanted to put a bunny behind it, but I couldn’t find it that quickly. Then it would have been ‘Saddled as a rabbit’. The curtain comes out of my caravan, I’ve completely pimped it up to a hippie paradise. After the carnival I make a baby doll from the fabric, then I’m completely in style when I go camping.”.