Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Sint-Truiden’s carnival season begins on November 11, celebrating its 55th anniversary with events like the “Feest der Goedgemutsten.” City prince Bert den leëste and youth princess Aurélie de leeste will participate in the March 3 parade.
Every year in Sint-Truiden, the Elf Latsjanen, a special lamppost with 11 lights, is lit at 7:11 PM on November 11 to mark the start of the carnival season. This tradition began in 1982, and this year will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the carnival. Events include the “Feest der Goedgemutsten,” the largest indoor carnival party in Flanders, a gala ball from the 1970s, and an exhibition showcasing the history of carnival in Sint-Truiden. The parade will feature 55 floats with groups from across Belgium, highlighting the significance of this annual celebration.
What to expect at the 2024 Sint-Truiden carnival?
Giani announced that this year’s carnival will include jokes about recent political events, inviting people from Truien to share their funny ideas for a reward. Bert Vanweddingen, now called Bert den leëste, is the city prince, and Aurélie Debauve, now known as Aurélie de leeste, is the youth princess. Both feel honored despite still recovering from the official ceremony. Aurélie looks forward to throwing candy during the parade, while Bert, though feeling a bit strange, is excited about his role in this special anniversary year.
The 78th carnival parade in Sint-Truiden will happen on March 3, with the full program available on the Order of the Commeduur’s website. In Maasmechelen, the new carnival prince and princess will be elected in January, and their parade is set for March 23. This year’s theme is “Everything in its own time.” Tony Ramaekers, chair of the Zavelzakskes, aims to make this year’s event as good as last year’s while enhancing its beauty and maintaining Maasmechelen’s strong reputation.
