Sint-Truiden – Three carnival groups in Sint-Truiden, namely Foute Bende, Orde van de Jarretel, and De Truinoskes, announced their closures on August 28, 2025, citing stringent regulations and challenges in recruiting new members as key factors, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, the Foute Bende and Orde van de Jarretel were the first to disclose their decision, with De Truinoskes later confirming its closure. These organizations have historically played a significant role in organizing parades, parties, and other community events in the city.
“Last year we had a wonderful season, during which we formed beautiful friendships, but we’ve all felt for a while that things aren’t going so well anymore,”
explains Tamara Heerlen.
“It’s over. The carnival atmosphere isn’t what it once was.”
Reasons Behind the Closures
The closures primarily stem from strict legislation affecting carnival activities. According to Tamara, a spokesperson for one of the groups, regulations regarding the use of confetti and the types of candies that can be thrown have created significant obstacles. Furthermore, she noted the growing difficulty in recruiting volunteers, a challenge that many associations face in sustaining their events.
“It’s always the same core group that helps organise the activities. We can’t find members who are fully and passionately committed anymore. Then, in the long run, it just doesn’t get any more fun,”
sighs Tamara.
Gianni Creten of the Order of the Commadeur remarked that despite these closures, there is no substantial issue with the city’s overall carnival scene. He acknowledged that processing this news has been challenging for his association.
“We saw it coming with two of the three closures, but the news about the third came as a complete surprise to us,”
Creten stated.
Carnival associations often rely on mutual motivation and support among their members, he explained. The departure of key individuals can disrupt this dynamic, making it increasingly difficult for associations to rejuvenate after losing valued contributors.
“Of course, there are changes, as happens with every tradition.”
Gianni Creten of the Order of the Commedeur in Sint-Truiden.
Creten also pointed out the challenge of attracting younger members to participate in the activities.
“Last year, our carnival parade attracted 32,000 visitors. That number increases every year,”
he added.
Creten acknowledged the inevitability of changes over time in long-standing traditions but emphasized that such adjustments do not diminish the event’s popularity.
“It’s especially hard to find people willing to take on an administrative role. That could become a problem. We need to involve and engage young people to take over. I’m not worried yet, but it’s something we need to focus on more vigorously,”
Creten stated.
Carnival in Sint-Truiden boasts a rich history dating back to the 1950s. Over the years, associations such as Foute Bende, Orde van de Jarretel, and De Truinoskes have been integral in organizing community events and parades. The Foute Bende and the Orde van de Jarretel announced their closures in March 2025, with De Truinoskes following suit in August 2025.
A comparable situation unfolded in Aalst, Belgium, in 2019 and 2020, when several longstanding carnival groups faced closures due to stricter safety regulations, volunteer shortages, and disputes over parade management, resulting in some organizations temporarily halting their events.
