Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Bokrijk Open-Air Museum in Genk has reopened, featuring life in 1900 Haspengouw. Actor Marin Carton plays the village pastor. Easter fun includes 8,008 hidden eggs and traditional activities.
Genk‘s Bokrijk Open-Air Museum re-opened recently after winter rest. Life is brought alive before visitors in Haspengouw in the year 1900. Authorities told that the museum is a historical village with historic buildings, domestic animals, and villagers portrayed by actors.
Marin Carton, a 32-year-old actor, plays the role of the village pastor. He preaches conventional sermons in the village church and welcomes visitors as members of his congregation. Authorities stated that the actors bring a personal and immersive experience to the museum, which makes the visitors feel as if they have traveled through time.
What can visitors experience at Bokrijk’s 1900 Easter event?
Marin Carton works as a freelance graphic designer outside of Bokrijk. He mentioned that he enjoys acting at the museum because it complements his creative career. When he and the other actors wear their historical costumes, they become their characters. They call each other by old-fashioned titles like “champetter” (village constable), “boer” (farmer), and “minheer pastor” (mister pastor).
Marin Carton, the actor who plays the village pastor at Bokrijk, enjoys a complete escape from modern life when he steps into his role. He says that all his worries disappear when he enters the museum. Once he puts on his historical costume and enters the world of 1900 Haspengouw, the outside world fades away. There are no smartphones, news headlines, or modern figures.
Marin explains that if visitors ask about something from today, they simply don’t know what they’re talking about. They stay in character. It’s a strict rule that all actors in Bokrijk follow to maintain the illusion of the past. Marin enjoys this way of disconnecting from the pressures of modern life and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Bokrijk’s Open-Air Museum is celebrating Easter with fun activities. Officials mentioned that visitors can learn about old Easter customs like coloring and decorating Easter eggs. There are workshops and games for children and adults.
The highlight is a big Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday and Monday. The museum has hidden 8,008 Easter eggs, a nod to the year 1900. There’s also a special Easter party with music and customs from the early 20th century. People can find more information about the Easter celebrations on the Bokrijk website.
