It was again a very nice St. Martin parade last Saturday! Because of the presence of Queen Máxima, this edition was extra busy, but also very special.

During the parade, people from asylum neighborhood center Pahud walked ahead with a beautiful piece of art; a globe with a crown of people on it held by 2 people. Also walking around this work of art were a number of people and children currently staying at shelter Star Lodge. They made this piece of parade even more beautiful with their homemade lanterns.

Our new location HerculesHoek was also there in the parade! They carried a fantastic bench they had made as a light sculpture. In addition, a group of Ukrainian girls and women ages 9 to late 40 danced along, led by “The Dancers” .

For most of those who joined us during Sint Maarten, this was their first time. “How wonderful that people clap for us”, ‘I really feel like I am a part of something’ and ‘We are very proud to participate in this Utrecht tradition’ were beautiful expressions of people that we received during this evening. That’s what we do it all for. To see people happy and joyful, simply because they can participate.