Tiggelaar - Phoenix

Resilience

‘Like a phoenix risen from the ashes’ is an expression used for everything that goes up in flames after which a new and stronger phoenix rises from the resulting ashes. The same can be said for Corso floats. Construction, demolition and starting again. “A process that repeats itself over and over again and shows that it is always possible to start over after a setback,” according to designers Marcel Korving, Alex Roelands and Eefje Wagtmans-Goos. This trio has known each other for years, building for Tiggelaar, but this is the first time they made a design together.

Phoenix is a mythical creature, a firebird who symbolizes rebirth, strength and hope. “A choice that fits perfectly to the core of what Corso means to us: design something, bring it to life, tear it all down and start over. With renewed energy,” says Alex on behalf of the designers. “The Phoenix doesn’t just symbolise our float, but also the passion and determination that helps our hamlet rise from the ashes again and again.”

After several weeks of brainstorming about the idea the designers started sketching. Every designer put their thoughts on paper. In order to get a good picture, several miniature models were created. At the design election night where the hamlet chooses a design from multiple entries, detailed drawings were presented. “The result was two floats with 40 to 50 actors.” After the selection process is complete, the construction team is called in. They create the technical drawings and a structure upon which the designers can build their model. People from the hamlet regularly lend a helping hand.

Now that the construction season has started, every designer has their own job. Alex is a flower guy, so that is his task. “Apart from dahlias we will also use alternative materials,” he says. “Marcel and Eefje are concerned with the actor workgroups. Consultations with the construction team is something we tackle together.”

Over the coming months the float will take shape and grow until it is ready to fly on the first Sunday of September.

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This is the first time Marcel Korving (44) designed a Corso float. He designed several carnaval floats in Prinsenbeek. This is Alex Roelands’ (29) first design.
This is the seventh time that Eefje Wagtmans-Goos (35) designed a float for Tiggelaar.

Original Dutch Text: Eric Elich
Translation: Bas Booij
Photo: Jeanne van Oosterhout 

Hamlet Tiggelaar
www.buurtschap-tiggelaar.nl

This article is brought to you by Corsief. An independent magazine about corsos in general and the Zundert flower parade in particular. The magazine is produced entirely by volunteers, who are all more or less active in the Zundert flower parade world. Corsief is entirely full-colour and appears four times a year.