The mood was good in Oijen on Saturday. The village walked out for the postponed carnival parade, which could not take place in February due to corona restrictions. And although a few thought that you can no longer do carnival in May, it inspired many groups to colorful creations. “All the butterflies emerge in this month and so do we.”
The group of women who flitted through the streets on Saturday with large wings had thought about the Brazilian carnival as a starting point because of the sunny weather. “But it was still a bit too cool for that, so we just kept it to our butterflies,” said one of them.
For most wagon builders and running groups the 55th anniversary of the carnival association De Bokkenrijders was a grateful source of inspiration. Children’s groups joined in like a big meringue and the group from care farm Burgthoeve also appeared like a cake. “And we also have a cherry on top, that’s Nick”, says the lucky one, who can sit in front.
“Really Oijens, it all looks perfect.”
According to chairman Erik van der Schie, the idea of a ‘summer carnival’ was received with great enthusiasm by all builders. “All 25 groups and cars that would otherwise participate are now also there, although not with the big cars we are used to here.”
It was smaller, more modest, but no less impressive according to the public along the route. “Really Oijens, it all looks perfect. They’ve all worked really hard on it,” said one of them. And even though the oldest Bokkenrijders member Toon thinks that carnival should be celebrated in February and not in May, the women’s group that gets a ‘meadow’ feeling from 55 years of carnival in Oijen thinks very differently. “We are certainly looking forward to it. You put on your suit and with that wonderful music you get in the mood.”