Laer-Akkermolen - Sandraudiga, rooted in Zundert

In search of a connection with nature and each other

In 2026 hamlet Laer-Akkermolen celebrates its 80^th jubilee. This is reason enough for producing a special float. In ‘Sandraudiga’ the designers are searching for connections in a number of ways. Not only between the float and hamlet resident, but also between Zundert and its history.

According to legend, the goddess Sandraudiga is a force of nature who can be regarded as a link between people and nature. In addition, the name Zundert may be derived from ‘Sandraudiga’. At the beginning of the 19^th century, a primitive commemorative stone representing her was found in the vicinity of the village. From a linguistic point of view the name ‘Sandraudiga’ stands for ‘red sand’. With its roots in the iron-rich ground in the region of Zundert, this naming of the village may not be too far-fetched.

This orange-red tint can be found in the float. The theatrical animal puppets on and around the float, which have contact with the ground will display a partial orange-red tint to indicate the connection between the various forms of life. The performers will visibly manipulate the puppets creating movement. In this way an extra layer will be formed in the depiction of the connection between people and nature.

The decision to create a float with performers was a conscious one, so that in this jubilee year for Laer-Akkermolen, everyone who wants to can contribute their bit early on, so creating yet another form of connection.

The idea of doing something concerning Sandraudiga had already existed for the designers, but the double jubilee year of 2026 – the Corso celebrates its 90^th year – seemed to be a good moment to seek the connection with each other and local history.

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For the second time in a row this quintet has signed up for a design for Laer-Akkermolen: Dave Roelands (39, teacher visual arts, 16^th design), Martin Straver (50, arcade game mechanic, 14^th design), Ronald van Loon (49, acoustic advisor, 21^st design), Stefan van Steen (44, lead civil engineer, 15^th design) and Steven van Erck (41, graphic designer, 15^th design). Fun fact: after this year, together 80 years of designing.  

Original Dutch Text: Stijn van Helmondt
Translation: Mary Tyne
Photo: Eefje Damen

Hamlet Laer-Akkermolen
www.laer-akkermolen.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.