Thijs den Ouden (20) from Amersfoort made a carnival number as Tappie Thijs for the Omroep Brabant series ‘Thijs wants to become a Brabander’. During the carnival he traveled throughout the province with ‘Beer douche’. Broke, hoarse and dozens of beer showers later, his first carnival is over. “I feel very happy, but also sad. This is mainly due to the alcohol.”
From 3 Uurkes Vurraf to Breda and from Fijnaart to Geertruidenberg: Thijs has played his song in many cafes and party tents. “It’s all a bit unreal”, he looks back in Brabant Today the day after carnival. “Making the song was already surreal. Then people wanted me to come and perform. It eventually exploded and everyone wanted their picture taken,” he laughs.
Thijs, who lives and studies in Tilburg, is devoted to our folk festival after four days of carnival. “I really had the best days of my life. I’m also sad that it’s over and I’m already looking forward to next year. Carnival really is the best party in the world!”
His mission to become a Brabander is almost over. The last episode can be seen on the YouTube channel of Omroep Brabant next Tuesday. “It’s getting better and better,” says Thijs. “I’m really starting to feel like a Brabanter. During carnival I heard from several people that my Brabant accent is getting better and better,” he laughs.
Watch Thijs’ carnival adventure in the sixth episode of ‘Thijs wants to become a Brabanter’.