HEEZE – “Everything Out of the Closet” is the theme for the 67th Brabantsedag in Heeze. The announcement was made on Thursday, November 6, during the annual theme presentation.
The sixteen float-building groups are challenged to truly pull out all the stops. They are free to choose any remarkable historical event from the Duchy of Brabant to portray — as long as it hasn’t been featured in the theatre parade before. This promises a Brabantsedag full of surprising stories, creativity, and fresh perspectives.
After 66 editions, around a thousand subjects from the rich history of the Duchy of Brabant have already been brought to life. Yet, many stories remain untold. With this new theme, the float builders will add 16 new chapters to the ever-growing “Brabantsedag Encyclopedia.”
Frank van Lierop, chairman of the Theme Committee of Stichting Brabantsedag, encourages the groups to dig deep:
“Grab all the books, dust them off, flip through the pages, and dive into the archives. Search for that one gem that truly matters to our Brabant heritage. If the chosen subject is surprising and challenging, something beautiful will surely come out of it.”
Each year, the float builders work from a central theme — a framework that provides direction and sparks inspiration. Sometimes the guidelines are strict; this year, they are deliberately minimal. Two rules always apply: the chosen subject must be a historical story or event from the Duchy of Brabant, and it must have taken place at least 50 years ago.
During the presentation, the new visual identity was also unveiled. It was created by photographer and director Mark Engelen, who hails from Heeze and now works from Rotterdam. The design is more than a poster — it will serve as the face of the Brabantsedag throughout the coming year across all communications.
The 67th Brabantsedag theatre parade will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Mark your calendar!