The Carnival Foundation: the organisation behind Kruikenstad
In this article, you will learn what the carnival foundation is and what it means for carnival in Kruikenstad. We spoke with Jolien, one of the hundred seventy loyal volunteers who are committed to making carnival in Kruikenstad unforgettable.
What is the carnival foundation?
"In short, the Tilburg Carnival Foundation is the organisation behind the public carnival in Kruikenstad. We are the creators and guardians of a future-proof, traditional, public carnival in Kruikenstad. With an emphasis on traditional, public carnival. The carnival foundation is committed to a carnival in Kruikenstad that brings everyone together and connects them. A carnival where we cherish and renew our traditions with pleasure and pride. Green and orange, and belonging to all of us. Furthermore, the carnival foundation is committed to transferring knowledge to young people, and we have memory boxes for the elderly."
What is your role within the foundation?
"I am a member of the festivities committee. We are responsible for most of the events that take place during carnival."
What events does the foundation organise for the public carnival in Kruikenstad?
"The carnival foundation organises many different public events. These include Elf-elf, Waogeslouwe, D’n Inhaol, Haandeschudde, D’n Opstoet, the Kruikenviering, Kruikenstad in Koor and Et Sebiet. Many of these events are free to attend/open to the public. For some, you have to buy a ticket, such as for Zumme Zinge?!, the Kruikenviering and Tjeukefist. For the Kruiken concerts and the Dokmardeursbustour, you have to be a dokmardeur to buy a ticket. Dokmardeurs are indispensable for the public Carnival in Kruikenstad. Thanks to their support, and the support of the many sponsors, the volunteers of Carnavalsstichting Tilburg can organise the most beautiful and enjoyable carnival celebrations for all Kruiken. During the biggest carnival events, we facilitate live streams for anyone who is unable to celebrate carnival in the city centre. This way, people can still be part of the festivities."
What events do you organise as part of the committee festivities?
"The festivities committee is organising “Wèèrmdraaje” at Friday afternoon. This is being done in collaboration with “the most carnival-like pub of the year”. This is the pub that won last year with the best decorations and atmosphere in its Kruikenkroeg. On Saturday, after d'n Inhaol, we have the Haandeschudde, where you will have the opportunity to “shake hands” with the Prince and his Entourage and wish each other a happy carnival. On Monday, we start early with the Kruikenviering. This is a real moment of reflection during all the hustle and bustle and revelry that carnival in Kruikenstad brings with it. In the evening, Kruikenstad in Koor takes place. On Tuesday, the Kroegendwèèltocht and Et Sebiet take place. With this, we say goodbye to another wonderful year of carnival."
What makes carnival in Tilburg unique? And what is Tilburg known for during carnival?
"Carnival in Kruikenstad is much more than just a big public celebration: it is living cultural heritage. It is history, a unique story with its own traditions and a distinct culture that makes carnival in Tilburg unique. Since 1965, carnival has been celebrated officially and publicly in Kruikenstad, and it is precisely this public character – everyone is welcome – that remains our greatest asset to this day. Carnival in Kruikenstad is carried by our people: with a green and orange heart, always moving forward, always proud. That pride is reflected in our language – in the way we write and speak, but also in our typical humour, which connects and evokes recognition. Over the years, traditions and customs have emerged that distinguish Kruikenstad. Think of the characteristic green and orange colours, the Kruikenzeiker and the Tilburg language. But also ceremonially with the appointment of the Prince and the key transfer. These customs are proudly upheld by the Tilburg Carnival Foundation. Carnival also lives on in our events: sold out, wildly popular and connecting the whole of Kruikenstad. And in our music, there is an unprecedented wealth of talent, bands and musical events that fill the city with sound for days on end. Kruikenstad also shows itself in our creativity: from floats to walking groups, from individuals to street theatre, always with an eye for humour, originality and craftsmanship. And while we hold on to our core values, we also demonstrate our adaptability: we move with the times. This is how carnival in Kruikenstad is and remains unique and vibrant: rooted in the past, supported by the people and open to everyone."
According to the carnival foundation, what will be the place to be during carnival 2026?
"During carnival, the centre of Tilburg becomes one large event venue. Therefore, you can enjoy carnival celebrations anywhere, but if I may recommend one location, it would be the Stadsforum. Since last year, this has been the beating heart of the traditional public carnival in Kruikenstad. This is where the official events of the Carnival Foundation take place during carnival, such as Haandeschudde, Kruikenstad in Koor and Et Sebiet. New this year at the Stadsforum is “the nostalgic spiegeltent”. This will be a place where music, tradition and green-orange conviviality come together. The aim is to provide a stage for the many orchestras and associations that Kruikenstad has to offer."
What are your top tips for anyone celebrating carnival in Kruikenstad for the first time?
"Carnival in Kruikenstad is open to everyone. All are welcome, but there are a few things I would like to share with you if you truly want to be part of Kruikenstad. My advice is: just join in the fun. Wear the green and orange colours, such as the well-known scarf or one of the other fun official green and orange items. Go bar-hopping at the many pubs that Kruikenstad has to offer and enjoy the live music played by our orchestras. And join in one of the events where tradition comes first. Only then will you truly feel the connection and togetherness that Kruikenstad has to offer. Finally, I would like to add: be kind to each other. Look out for each other and respect each other. That way, everyone will feel safe and at home during carnival in Kruikenstad."
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