For Ruud Hoogers (60) from Hoeven, Carnaval 2025 is one with a smile, but also a tear. For forty years he designed the carnival cars for his club BC De Spie. Gigantic cars, with which he could show off in his hometown of Peejenland. A village with a great procession tradition, where on Tuesday the audience comes from far and wide to admire the cars. But Ruud was forced to make his last design this year.
For a moment Ruud looks with pinched lips in the distance. What is it like to have to stop after 40 years of designing because his health abandons him? “Fucking,” he says. He nods, tries to talk further but grabs his hand to his mouth and falls still. Dan: “Fortunately my son is going to take over. And it does guarantee the quality. “
With three large cars that together form one whole, Ruud says goodbye. If he inspects the cars for the last time just before the start of the parade, he is approached by his teacher Toon Rovers, 83 years old now. “This gentleman had a roll of foam rubber forty years ago. And I saw opportunities with that, “says Ruud. His master is proud: “Ruud is Hoeven’s icon. The real carnival builder. Fantastic what he has achieved. ” Toon is also still involved: “I come and see every day. Those men are busy day and night, fantastic. “
“We are one big family, in the De Spie district,” Ruud explains the feeling of his club. “Together we celebrate Carnival, together with the other clubs. That is really unique in Hoeven. ” The clubs hits each other, he explains: “Everyone is working on that all year. It is not an ordinary beer drinking, we want to make beautiful things. And we keep each other up. “
How often did he win with his design? Ruud points to the lapel of his jacket, who is full of stars. “One star means a challenge cup,” he laughs. The passion, the togetherness, he did it for that. “It’s not about anything and yet it’s all about everything,” he summarizes.
Yet it doesn’t stop at Ruud. Because he was able to transfer the carnival virus to his son. Wies Hoogers (22) takes over from him. “It was brought in with the spoon,” laughs Wies, while his father gives him a loving stump. From childhood he has built along, in recent years they designed together: “Two captains on one ship, that is sometimes difficult,” Wies explains. “But we think exactly the same. Now that my father stops, more responsibility is being on my shoulders, but I’m looking forward to it. ” Ruud: “He will throw his soul and bliss there for decades. Because it has to continue. “
