During the volunteer barbecue on September 20, Boukje van Ettro announced that she would be passing the chairman's gavel to Luc van der Veen.
After an impressive 21 years on the board of the Brabantsedag Foundation, with the last 10 as chairperson, Van Ettro feels this is the perfect moment to hand over the baton. Under her leadership, Brabantsedag has firmly established itself as a highly regarded public attraction, drawing around 40,000 visitors each year, who attend the iconic rolling theater parade in Heeze on the last Sunday of August. Van Ettro will continue in her current role on the theme committee.
Luc van der Veen builds towards the future
Luc van der Veen will officially begin his role as the new chairperson on Thursday, November 7, during the theme announcement for Brabantsedag 2025. Born and raised in Heeze and with more than 30 years of involvement in the event, Van der Veen brings not only experience but also great enthusiasm for Brabantsedag. He looks forward to further building on the strong foundations Van Ettro has laid. His main priority is to ensure the high quality of the event and to harness the strength of the community—comprised of volunteers, construction groups, and the board—to keep Brabantsedag thriving.
Van der Veen aims to make Brabantsedag more sustainable and future-proof for new generations of visitors, float builders, and volunteers while preserving its traditional values and cultural intangible heritage.
A legacy of growth and connection
Boukje van Ettro leaves behind a powerful legacy. Under her chairmanship, Brabantsedag has become much more than just an event; it is a living symbol of unity, supported by hundreds of volunteers, 16 float-building groups, and 2,000 actors who contribute annually to this cultural spectacle. "It was a great privilege to fulfill this role for so long," says Van Ettro. "Together, we have created something that all of Heeze can be proud of. The strength of this event lies in the tremendous commitment and dedication of everyone who gives their all throughout the year—especially during the final weekend of August. Over the past few months, Luc and I have worked closely together to prepare for the transition. I have every confidence that Luc will continue the path we’ve set successfully."
Confidently moving forward
With the appointment of Luc van der Veen, Brabantsedag looks to the future with full confidence. Both the parade and the surrounding program will continue to evolve, with the rich tradition and the event's growth going hand in hand.
