Are you a true Brabantsedag expert but find it difficult to explain certain things to non-experts? Or are you thinking, "Brabantse-what?" Keep reading, because below you'll find everything you need to know or share about this unique event. But let's be honest... We can try our best to describe it all, but you really have to be there to truly understand. So, mark your calendar: Sunday, August 25 @Brabantsedag Heeze!
A Parade, Is That Even Fun?
Fun… is an understatement! For 65 years, our audience has been telling us on that last Sunday in August that it's an unforgettable spectacle of rolling theater sets, with thousands of actors, full of music, acting, emotions, movement, and interaction. "The biggest theater parade of the year"—there's not a word of exaggeration in that!Ah, Just Like Carnival?
NO. NOPE. REALLY NOT. NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Don't get us wrong, we also love carnival. And yes, beautiful floats are paraded there too. But Brabantsedag Heeze takes things several steps further. The Brabantsedag brings the history of the Duchy of Brabant to life. The rolling, towering theater sets each have a theme linked to the annual theme, which serves as the inspiration for the sixteen float-building groups. Events from the past are brought to life in the parade, creatively translated to our time and made impressive through original designs and bold technology.The Brabantsedag in Heeze. Where Is That?
Heeze is located just outside of Eindhoven, as we like to say. Ideally accessible via both the A2 and A67, surrounded by forests and heathlands; no wonder we’re called "the pearl of Brabant."Why Are You Busy with It All Year Long?
The building season starts with the theme presentation, sometime in late October or early November. That’s when the float builders learn the theme for the upcoming edition and the “rules” their float designs must adhere to.
With the theme in mind, brainstorming and design processes begin at many kitchen, meeting, and pub tables: "What subject or person should we choose?" Then comes online and archival research, because the story behind the theme must be historically accurate.
The first tentative design sketches appear. These sketches are submitted to the Brabantsedag Foundation, which ensures a high creative standard and diversity. The float-building groups also consult with each other, offering tips and advice, exchanging techniques, expertise, and materials. Through the shared float-building platform, each group contributes its important part to "their" biggest theater parade of the year.
Spring is the season of deepening and refining: What will the float look like? How will it be technically realized? The story? The costumes? The acting? The costs? The music? The message?
In June, Heeze begins to buzz visibly, as huge construction tents rise everywhere. The actual building then begins, with the strict deadline of the last Sunday in August. During the three busy summer months, there is nonstop building, hammering, welding, gluing, and painting. In the meantime, the members of the float-building groups also become actors, stylists, makeup artists, and fashion designers. The costumes, decorations, music, acting—in short, the story comes to life. And it all happens with a lot of camaraderie and fun!How Many People Participate in the Brabantsedag?
We at the Brabantsedag Foundation are particularly proud of our 16 float-building groups. Together, they have about 2,000 active members. Their families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors also contribute in indispensable ways.
Additionally, over 150 volunteers work behind the scenes throughout the year, organizing the Brabantsedag in committees such as Sponsorship, Marketing & PR, Programming, Facilities, Finance, and more.
On the last Sunday of August, hundreds more volunteers are busy with the parade itself.
All in all, Brabantsedag Heeze is supported by about 4,000 people from Heeze and the surrounding area. How cool is that for a village with about 10,000 inhabitants? Even better: these are all volunteers—though highly professional—who don't get paid a cent.Can I Become a Float Builder Just Like That?
Yes, you can. Everyone is creative, everyone has an – as yet undiscovered – talent: designing, building, welding, painting, acting, doing makeup, making clothes, catering. All these tasks are part of a float-building group. Want to join in? Contact the group, and they'll help you get started!How Has This Been Such a Success for 65 Years?
In all humility: Brabantsedag (remember, written as one word!) is just incredibly unique! That uniqueness comes from the involvement of the many hundreds of people who together make it a celebration.
It’s in the total experience: atmosphere, taste, music, street theater, art, performances, artists, delicious food and drinks, something for everyone, young and old.
But most of all, it’s in the incredible creativity and high level—literally!—that you witness with amazement on the last Sunday in August.
On that last Sunday in August, you see something you’ve never seen before. And every year the parade changes: the floats become even more beautiful, the acting more compelling, the stories more fascinating, the emotions stronger, the techniques more ingenious, and the theme different and challenging each year.How Much Does It All Cost?
Time. Energy. And yes, euros too. The Heeze business community, local hospitality industry, and Heeze retailers contribute significantly, but our partners, main sponsors, sponsors, and sub-sponsors are especially valued “enablers.” And let’s not forget our highly esteemed audience: by buying a ticket (advance sale €12.50, regular price €13.50) (children up to 12 years old free), grandstand ticket €15 uncovered or €30 covered), they ensure a filled cash register and an even grander and more beautiful theater parade next year!Brabantsedag or Brabantse Dag?
We write Brabantsedag as one word. No space. We used to write Brabantse - space - Dag, but that was officially changed to "Brabantsedag" years ago.
MORE QUESTIONS? INFO@BRABANTSEDAG.NL
