Markt - Front

Tactically defensive, but strong on the front line

At hamlet Markt it took some time before they were prepared to reveal the design. But here it is then! It would seem to be hidden behind a wall of 48 Celtic shields. Sacha, Ward, Sven, Daan and Joran came up with this idea through a joint effort. “Everyone put forward their ideas and were able to have their say. We all believe in this design, because we have all contributed to it.”

That contribution resulted in a shield formation inspired by the Celts, who used it on the front to defend themselves from the Romans. This formation represents three tribes: the animals, trees and knots, based on symbols which emerged in research into the Celts.

The shield formation is not static but can move, just like a procession which intermittently stops and starts. Ward explains: “We use the movement to suggest that there are people behind the shields who are cautiously going in the direction of the front.” In the gaps between the shields glimpses of the warriors can be seen, as they screen themselves from the threatening danger.

In amongst the impressive force of the other hamlets, this shield formation will propel itself forward. The designers are even considering whether they want to ride between the larger floats with their smaller float. “The minimalism has to stand out, because the Celts always worked with less and in this formation, we make ourselves small.” The design perhaps symbolises the hamlet: small but powerful!

 —

This year the design by hamlet Markt has been made by an imported collective, who met each other in the hamlet’s tent last year. They had previously worked or designed at other hamlets.

Sacha Schrauwen works at a tree nursery (26 years, second design), Ward de Krom is a project engineer (25, third design), Sven Goossens is a horticulturist (26, fourth design), Daan Verwijmeren is a welder/fitter (22, second design) and Joran Zagers is a work planner/purchaser (25, first design).

Original Dutch Text: Kris Verdonk
Translation: Mary Tine
Photo: José van Trijp – Fotografie

Hamlet Markt
www.buurtschapmarkt.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.