Long Weekend part 3: Bloemencorso Zunders (2024 Flowerparade!)
On Sunday September 1st, the third day of my long weekend in the South of the Netherlands, it was finaly time for the main event: Bloemencorso Zundert 2024! (More about its history and the preparations for this event in my previous post. [ LJ
On my short walk to the station I discovered another mural (part of that artproject I found on Day 1 [ LJ]), which was not on a wall, but actually over my head and a lot of people looked at me funny when I was taking pictures.
That funky art up high was not noticed by everyone!
The whole piece is pretty long, it's called De Kosmische Orde (The Cosmic Order) by Derk Thijs (2016). He was inspired by an old painting of Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1339): Allegory of Good Government which represents the six virtues (Peace, Fortitude, Prudence, Magnanimity, Temperance and Justice).
After this short distraction I get on the bus to Zundert; today it doesn't go any further than the edge of town: you need a ticket to walk in! You can then find a spot anywhere along the route of the parade, but I have a seat to get to.
Zundert is the birth place of Vincent van Gogh, its twin city is Auvers-sur-Oise in France, where he later lived.
After a fifteen minute walk I reach grandstand X; I have a seat in the front row!
This is the only place where the parade will pass 3 (THREE!) times. It makes a sort of figure eight all around Zundert. (Click on the image for the full map and legend)
The winner will be announced in front of the E grandstand (cityhall) and after that all the floats will continue to the exhibition site in the West (where they also started the parade)
I wander around for a bit, spot a butterfly and buy some food before I settle in for the parade.
Here we go!
I combined photos of each float from all the three times they came by to show them from all angles. The first passing was from 13:45 (quarter to 2 p.m.) until 15:15 (quarter past 3 p.m.), so it took all floats an hour and half to pass me by. Second and third passing of the parade went quicker, the last float on the way to the exhibition site passed at 18:30 (6:30 p.m.)
There were also a couple of musicbands in between the floats, but I didn't get any good photos of those unfortunately; they put on a great show!
"Buurtschap" = hamlet/neighbourhood [x/20] is their ranking
1. Geppetto - Buurtschap Tiggelaar [6/20]
(Design: Erwin Braspenning, Marc van Beek, Gianni Ritchie and Johan van Trijp)
When Geppetto fell asleep, the puppets came to life!
Geppetto returning to the exhibition site.
2. Beet - Buurtschap Schijf ([1/20] Winner 2024!)
(Design: Huub van Caarm, Maikel van der Korput, Jens Aernouts and Sander van Hooydonk)
Beet (Literally "Bite" or in this context: "Caught!") was an amazing construction with the two fishermen in the boat on top!
Not only the eye of the fish opened and closed, the mouth would also open wide! Didn't catch this in a photo, but I did capture it on video:)
3. Frankenstein 2.24 - Buurtschap De Lent [8/20]
(Design: Gezienus Bruining)
Frankenstein 2.24 existed of three floats and a lot of acting of the scientist's whose invention came alive.
4. Diepzeeduiker - Buurtschap Raamberg [19/20]
(Design: Dion Daems)
What's special about the Zundert Corso is that all the floats are pushed by hand; you can see the feet of the people inside underneath!
This deep sea diver was one of my favorites, I can't believe it got the least amount of points!? I guess this theme has been done before, but it was executed brilliantly, with its moving head and the tails of the seahorses that rolled up.
The bubbles were filled with smoke, such a neat effect when they popped!
Bye, Diepzeeduiker, I loved you lots!
5. Requiem - Buurtschap Laarheide [13/20]
(Design: Pim Verheijen and Iwan Goossens)
Requiem was dedicated to the 27 Club; rock musicians who died at age 27, such as Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
6. Hebzucht - Buurtschap Veldstraat [16/20]
(Design: Chiel Zagers, Bas van Hassel and Somin van Nijnatten)
Hebzucht (Greed) was followed by:
7. Afgeschreven - Buurtschap Wernhout [11/20]
(Design: Bram Damen, Roy Aernouts and Stef Foesenek)
Afgeschreven (Depriciated) were two old robots/machines rolling along, it was a colourful installation, although I couldn't really tell what their purpose was supposed to have been.
8. Orangerie - Buurtschap Poteind [3/20]
(Design: Dean Lahaije)
My least favorite, how did it end up in 3rd place, hrmpf. (This is the only float I didn't film :-p)
9. The Lost Suitcase - Buurtschap Laer-Akkermolen [2/20] + 1st Audience Award!
(Design: Ronald van Loon and Martin Straver)
This float is a full play in motion; a farce about the bellboy trying to find out who lost the blue suitcase. A stunning design and so very entertaining.
This hotel with many rooms in forced perspective was my absolute favourite, I squeed on the third passing when I discovered the room with Vincent van Gogh (who used forced perspective in the painting of his bedroom).
Even with three passings I couldn't see everything that happened in the hotel!
It was followed by a simpler float with flowers and butterflies that opened and closed. The mushrooms (hats) were hiding people that woke up as well.
10. De Natuur Ontwaakt - Buurtschap De Berk [14/20]
(Design: René Jochems and Yoran Jochems)
De Natuur Ontwaakt = Nature awakens; in this photo all of nature is asleep though;-)
Next up:
11. Helden - Buurtschap Molenstraat [4/20]
(Design: Yuri Dils)
Helden (Heroes): a shop display full of superheroes, coming alive when their signature music plays.
12. Fenrir - Buurtschap Achtmaal [7/20] + 3rd Audience Award!
(Design: Werner van Aert, Marc Roelands and Luuk Wouters)
Very menacing Fenrir, the wolfcreature from Norse Mythology (child of Loki, god of Mischief). His head moved, he opened his jaws and he howled!
So glad I captured Fenrir mid howl!
13. Mobiele Eenheid - Buurtschap 't Stuk [12/20]
(Design: Joel Sprenkels, Hans Arnouts and Sjoerd van der Linden)
ME is the riot-police; I think the creators wanted to make a statement, but I didn't really understand this one. No movement, only intimidating sounds from riot-communications and a lot of non-flower material. Hrmpf.
After the dark ME design it was finally time for a hamlet I visited the day before, yay! (See previous corso preparation post)
14. Invasie - Buurtschap Kapelleke [18/20]
(Wim Mathijssen, Adrie de Meijer and Maikel van Overveld)
I loved Invasion, because it sparks the imagination; are we looking at aliens invading earth? The disks rotated ominously. I'm sad it didn't rank higher.
15. Speelgoedleven - Buurtschap Klein-Zundert [9/20]
(Design: Jarno van Rijen)
Speelgoedleven = Toy life, another favorite of mine. When the toy soldier knocked on the cabinet, the toys came to life and it was noisy and spectacular. I loved that there were familiar toys for every generation.
After all the toys, the second hamlet I visited the day before showed its float:
16. Front - Buurtschap Markt [10/20]
(Design: Sven Goossens, Sacha Schrauwen, Joran Zagers, Ward de Krom and Daan Verwijmeren)
I only managed a decent photo on their third passing, because I was filming every other time they came by. 1./2. Unfortunately I didn't see the surprise on any of the passings, but I was able to see it on tv later and it explains their relatively high ranking: the top would open to reveal the flags and pointy spears of the celtics tribe hiding inside.
17. Moiré - Buurtschap Helpt Elkander [5/20]
(Design: Midas Overbeeke, Rick van Bergen and Thijs Lowensteijn)
A special effect as the framework moved around the flowerdesign of the horses; they appeared to run! There were four floats with different part of the race.
18. Mycelium, 'Een netwerk van schimmeldraden' - Buurtschap Stuivezand [17/20]
(Design: Dell Optiplex9020) << that's a computer; they prompted AI to come up with the design! A network of fungal threads. There were light effects and the fungus opened and closed their hats.
19. Voor Acht Uur Besteld - Buurtschap Rijsbergen [15/20]
(Design: Femke Sannen and Pieter Meeuwissen)
"Ordered before eight o'clock"; a network of streets with delivery bikes on their way with loads of boxes. The float was also surrounded by cyclists and packages (you can see one of them ringing a doorbel, trying to deliver his parcel:-D)
The final float took a while to get going, and it had an army with a boar leading the way:
20. Khazad-Dúm - Buurtschap Klein-Zundertse Heikant [-/20]
(Design: Sven van Hoof, Robin Jochems, Famke Jochems and Ron Stoffelen)
Unfortunately Khazad-Dúm broke down on the South loop through town, which means it was disqualified. It did however win the 2nd Audience Award.
While we were waiting for Khazad-Dúm to be able to be pushed to the exhibition site, I went to get a bun with kroket, mmmm. (I was back in time to see them)
I did have a ticket for the exhibition, but I was exhausted from sitting in the sun all these hours, so I decided to head back to the bus. On the way I came across the Icecream parlor of Zundert, which I obviously had to try;) Worth a visit: I had frozen yoghurt with cherries and strawberry cheese cake icecream.
Near the edge of town I saw this adorable wooden figure.
And the also adorable sign to Auvers-sur-Oise in France :-D
I was back at the hotel around 8:30 p.m.
The next day I woke up to this swirly pattern from the sun peaking underneath the hotel's blackout curtains.
Had bought this breakfast upon my return at the station last night. It's also where I bought my lunch for the trainride home.
What a great weekend!
You can find my videos of the flower floats in my YouTube playlist: Bloemencorso Zundert 2024.
J.
Previous visits to Zundert:
2016 [ LJ | 2018 [ LJ].
X-posted from https://beelikej.dreamwidth.org/584787.html [
comments] Lurk or comment wherever you like:)
On my short walk to the station I discovered another mural (part of that artproject I found on Day 1 [ LJ]), which was not on a wall, but actually over my head and a lot of people looked at me funny when I was taking pictures.
That funky art up high was not noticed by everyone!
The whole piece is pretty long, it's called De Kosmische Orde (The Cosmic Order) by Derk Thijs (2016). He was inspired by an old painting of Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1339): Allegory of Good Government which represents the six virtues (Peace, Fortitude, Prudence, Magnanimity, Temperance and Justice).
After this short distraction I get on the bus to Zundert; today it doesn't go any further than the edge of town: you need a ticket to walk in! You can then find a spot anywhere along the route of the parade, but I have a seat to get to.
Zundert is the birth place of Vincent van Gogh, its twin city is Auvers-sur-Oise in France, where he later lived.
After a fifteen minute walk I reach grandstand X; I have a seat in the front row!
This is the only place where the parade will pass 3 (THREE!) times. It makes a sort of figure eight all around Zundert. (Click on the image for the full map and legend)
The winner will be announced in front of the E grandstand (cityhall) and after that all the floats will continue to the exhibition site in the West (where they also started the parade)
I wander around for a bit, spot a butterfly and buy some food before I settle in for the parade.
Here we go!
I combined photos of each float from all the three times they came by to show them from all angles. The first passing was from 13:45 (quarter to 2 p.m.) until 15:15 (quarter past 3 p.m.), so it took all floats an hour and half to pass me by. Second and third passing of the parade went quicker, the last float on the way to the exhibition site passed at 18:30 (6:30 p.m.)
There were also a couple of musicbands in between the floats, but I didn't get any good photos of those unfortunately; they put on a great show!
"Buurtschap" = hamlet/neighbourhood [x/20] is their ranking
1. Geppetto - Buurtschap Tiggelaar [6/20]
(Design: Erwin Braspenning, Marc van Beek, Gianni Ritchie and Johan van Trijp)
When Geppetto fell asleep, the puppets came to life!
Geppetto returning to the exhibition site.
2. Beet - Buurtschap Schijf ([1/20] Winner 2024!)
(Design: Huub van Caarm, Maikel van der Korput, Jens Aernouts and Sander van Hooydonk)
Beet (Literally "Bite" or in this context: "Caught!") was an amazing construction with the two fishermen in the boat on top!
Not only the eye of the fish opened and closed, the mouth would also open wide! Didn't catch this in a photo, but I did capture it on video:)
3. Frankenstein 2.24 - Buurtschap De Lent [8/20]
(Design: Gezienus Bruining)
Frankenstein 2.24 existed of three floats and a lot of acting of the scientist's whose invention came alive.
4. Diepzeeduiker - Buurtschap Raamberg [19/20]
(Design: Dion Daems)
What's special about the Zundert Corso is that all the floats are pushed by hand; you can see the feet of the people inside underneath!
This deep sea diver was one of my favorites, I can't believe it got the least amount of points!? I guess this theme has been done before, but it was executed brilliantly, with its moving head and the tails of the seahorses that rolled up.
The bubbles were filled with smoke, such a neat effect when they popped!
Bye, Diepzeeduiker, I loved you lots!
5. Requiem - Buurtschap Laarheide [13/20]
(Design: Pim Verheijen and Iwan Goossens)
Requiem was dedicated to the 27 Club; rock musicians who died at age 27, such as Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
6. Hebzucht - Buurtschap Veldstraat [16/20]
(Design: Chiel Zagers, Bas van Hassel and Somin van Nijnatten)
Hebzucht (Greed) was followed by:
7. Afgeschreven - Buurtschap Wernhout [11/20]
(Design: Bram Damen, Roy Aernouts and Stef Foesenek)
Afgeschreven (Depriciated) were two old robots/machines rolling along, it was a colourful installation, although I couldn't really tell what their purpose was supposed to have been.
8. Orangerie - Buurtschap Poteind [3/20]
(Design: Dean Lahaije)
My least favorite, how did it end up in 3rd place, hrmpf. (This is the only float I didn't film :-p)
9. The Lost Suitcase - Buurtschap Laer-Akkermolen [2/20] + 1st Audience Award!
(Design: Ronald van Loon and Martin Straver)
This float is a full play in motion; a farce about the bellboy trying to find out who lost the blue suitcase. A stunning design and so very entertaining.
This hotel with many rooms in forced perspective was my absolute favourite, I squeed on the third passing when I discovered the room with Vincent van Gogh (who used forced perspective in the painting of his bedroom).
Even with three passings I couldn't see everything that happened in the hotel!
It was followed by a simpler float with flowers and butterflies that opened and closed. The mushrooms (hats) were hiding people that woke up as well.
10. De Natuur Ontwaakt - Buurtschap De Berk [14/20]
(Design: René Jochems and Yoran Jochems)
De Natuur Ontwaakt = Nature awakens; in this photo all of nature is asleep though;-)
Next up:
11. Helden - Buurtschap Molenstraat [4/20]
(Design: Yuri Dils)
Helden (Heroes): a shop display full of superheroes, coming alive when their signature music plays.
12. Fenrir - Buurtschap Achtmaal [7/20] + 3rd Audience Award!
(Design: Werner van Aert, Marc Roelands and Luuk Wouters)
Very menacing Fenrir, the wolfcreature from Norse Mythology (child of Loki, god of Mischief). His head moved, he opened his jaws and he howled!
So glad I captured Fenrir mid howl!
13. Mobiele Eenheid - Buurtschap 't Stuk [12/20]
(Design: Joel Sprenkels, Hans Arnouts and Sjoerd van der Linden)
ME is the riot-police; I think the creators wanted to make a statement, but I didn't really understand this one. No movement, only intimidating sounds from riot-communications and a lot of non-flower material. Hrmpf.
After the dark ME design it was finally time for a hamlet I visited the day before, yay! (See previous corso preparation post)
14. Invasie - Buurtschap Kapelleke [18/20]
(Wim Mathijssen, Adrie de Meijer and Maikel van Overveld)
I loved Invasion, because it sparks the imagination; are we looking at aliens invading earth? The disks rotated ominously. I'm sad it didn't rank higher.
15. Speelgoedleven - Buurtschap Klein-Zundert [9/20]
(Design: Jarno van Rijen)
Speelgoedleven = Toy life, another favorite of mine. When the toy soldier knocked on the cabinet, the toys came to life and it was noisy and spectacular. I loved that there were familiar toys for every generation.
After all the toys, the second hamlet I visited the day before showed its float:
16. Front - Buurtschap Markt [10/20]
(Design: Sven Goossens, Sacha Schrauwen, Joran Zagers, Ward de Krom and Daan Verwijmeren)
I only managed a decent photo on their third passing, because I was filming every other time they came by. 1./2. Unfortunately I didn't see the surprise on any of the passings, but I was able to see it on tv later and it explains their relatively high ranking: the top would open to reveal the flags and pointy spears of the celtics tribe hiding inside.
17. Moiré - Buurtschap Helpt Elkander [5/20]
(Design: Midas Overbeeke, Rick van Bergen and Thijs Lowensteijn)
A special effect as the framework moved around the flowerdesign of the horses; they appeared to run! There were four floats with different part of the race.
18. Mycelium, 'Een netwerk van schimmeldraden' - Buurtschap Stuivezand [17/20]
(Design: Dell Optiplex9020) << that's a computer; they prompted AI to come up with the design! A network of fungal threads. There were light effects and the fungus opened and closed their hats.
19. Voor Acht Uur Besteld - Buurtschap Rijsbergen [15/20]
(Design: Femke Sannen and Pieter Meeuwissen)
"Ordered before eight o'clock"; a network of streets with delivery bikes on their way with loads of boxes. The float was also surrounded by cyclists and packages (you can see one of them ringing a doorbel, trying to deliver his parcel:-D)
The final float took a while to get going, and it had an army with a boar leading the way:
20. Khazad-Dúm - Buurtschap Klein-Zundertse Heikant [-/20]
(Design: Sven van Hoof, Robin Jochems, Famke Jochems and Ron Stoffelen)
Unfortunately Khazad-Dúm broke down on the South loop through town, which means it was disqualified. It did however win the 2nd Audience Award.
While we were waiting for Khazad-Dúm to be able to be pushed to the exhibition site, I went to get a bun with kroket, mmmm. (I was back in time to see them)
I did have a ticket for the exhibition, but I was exhausted from sitting in the sun all these hours, so I decided to head back to the bus. On the way I came across the Icecream parlor of Zundert, which I obviously had to try;) Worth a visit: I had frozen yoghurt with cherries and strawberry cheese cake icecream.
Near the edge of town I saw this adorable wooden figure.
And the also adorable sign to Auvers-sur-Oise in France :-D
I was back at the hotel around 8:30 p.m.
The next day I woke up to this swirly pattern from the sun peaking underneath the hotel's blackout curtains.
Had bought this breakfast upon my return at the station last night. It's also where I bought my lunch for the trainride home.
What a great weekend!
You can find my videos of the flower floats in my YouTube playlist: Bloemencorso Zundert 2024.
J.
Previous visits to Zundert:
2016 [ LJ | 2018 [ LJ].
X-posted from https://beelikej.dreamwidth.org/584787.html [
comments] Lurk or comment wherever you like:)