42nd Oeteldonk – Travel Legends

Description

*During carnival in Oeteldonk something special happens. For a few days the differences that normally keep us apart seem to vanish. Everyone wears the same farmer's smock. Titles, status, background or position don’t matter for a while. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, artist or labourer – in Oeteldonk everyone stands side by side. We celebrate together, laugh together and form one community.

That tradition is about more than partying. It’s about equality. About the idea that society becomes stronger when people meet as equals.

That is exactly why we are joining Oeteldonk in the World Pride parade.

The theme of this Pride is Unity. For us that’s not an abstract word, but a value we have celebrated for generations. Carnival shows how powerful it can be when walls disappear and people meet in openness, humour and freedom. But Pride also reminds us that equality is not a given for everyone.

Around the world LGBTQ+ people still have to fight for safety, visibility and acceptance. Being free to be yourself is sadly not a reality for everyone yet. That’s why we take part – not only to celebrate, but also to send a clear message: equality is not a favour, it’s a right.

The Oeteldonk farmer's smock symbolizes a world where no one is judged for who they are, whom they love or how they express themselves. A world where differences don’t divide us but enrich us.

Carnival and Pride share the same spirit: making space for everyone. For colour, identity, expression and love in all its forms.

With our boat we want to show that tradition and progress can go hand in hand. That an age-old carnival culture from Den Bosch can today also be a powerful voice for inclusion and equality.

Because true unity doesn’t just mean partying together.

It also means standing up for each other.

This participation is made possible with the support of Travel Legends as main sponsor.*