This year, fewer floats will participate in the carnival parades. The materials for the cars, such as iron, polyester and wood, have become considerably more expensive. But the petrol price also makes it difficult for the carnival associations, according to a tour of the ANP.
At carnival association De Kaketoes in Roermond, ten less cars are driving than in the year before the corona crisis. According to Marc Allers, adviser to the association, this is due to increased material and fuel costs. It must remain “fun” despite the increased prices.
In Over d’n Dam, a collective name for five villages between Ravenstein and Oss, more groups are participating on foot this year. This is because of the more expensive material and the high price of petrol.
Chairman Johan Kuijpers of the carnival association in Over d’n Dam says that this year 3 to 4 floats will participate, while in 2019 there were still 6 to 7.
They also expect fewer cars in Venlo. According to Leon Heijnen, chairman of carnival association de Gaaskaetel, the increased prices can be felt in many ways. “Everything is more expensive.”
Heijnen expects that the party behavior of the carnival celebrants will also be different this year. He thinks that young people will drink more at home and will bring their own drinks to carnival parties. “Maybe people stop partying every day to save money.”
At carnival association De Beerpiëp in Tegelen, a village in the municipality of Venlo, there are also fewer floats this year. But that would mainly be due to less enthusiasm. “This is mainly due to corona. Many people have discovered that it is also nice to be free of ‘obligations’ and to spend the time they previously spent preparing differently,” says chairman Léon van Deur.
The carnival (called Vastelaevening in Limburg) is this year from Saturday, February 18, 2023 to Tuesday, February 21.
