WILLEMSTAD - A surprising announcement has reached the carnival community of Curaçao: after more than fifty years, the float of the Limburgse Kabrieten will not participate for the first time in the eleventh position in the Gran Marcha. This news comes as a shock to many, including Louis Hilgers, a former member of the group.
Since the first Gran Marcha in 1971, where the Limburgse Kabrieten played a fundamental role, their influence on the carnival of Curaçao has been undeniable. "I got married in 1971 to my Curaçaoan love Marijke and became a member of the Limburgse Kabrieten, a unique group led by Huub Bongers," recalls Hilgers. His involvement with the group was intense; he soon became the 'Chairman of the Vaan Committee' and was responsible for ordering the Limburg flag.
The Kabrieten were not only known for their carnival celebrations but also for their contribution to the community. "The proceeds from our legendary carnival parties were distributed to schools in Curaçao," says Hilgers. Each school received a check for 111 guilders, a gesture that stimulated the celebration of carnival on the island.
Hilgers also proudly recalls the words of his mother-in-law: "You Limburger," an expression of the strong cultural identity he and his group brought to the island. The decision not to have a Kabrieten float in the Gran Marcha this year has deeply affected him. He pleads with the Gran Marcha Committee not to assign the number eleven, which was always designated for the Limburgse Kabrieten, to anyone else.
As he concludes, Hilgers offers to send a check for 111 guilders to a possible 'old' Limburgse kabriet on the island to keep the spirit of the Kabrieten alive. "Alaaaf!" he concludes, a cry that symbolizes the joy and camaraderie of carnival, even now that the Limburgse Kabrieten are no longer part of this colorful and joyful event.