Plantrakkers: from pioneers to prize-winners in the Festival of Lights Parade

For decades, the Plantrakkers have been a fixture of the Mol-Centrum Rozenberg Light Parade. Their story began in 1979, when a group of young friends united under the name "Plantrekkers 80." Not long after, they joined forces with "de Rakkers," and this merger gave rise to the group as we know it today: the Plantrakkers.

The early years

They started out modestly in Category 2. Their very first float was titled "Geluk?" (Happiness?). Just two years later, in 1981, came their first major triumph: with "Flying Planet," Plantrekkers 80 won first prize in Category 2.

Success whetted their appetite for more, and in 1982 they moved up to the top category. With their impressive float "Killing Flash," they immediately secured a respectable 6th place in Category 1. The women also made their mark, participating in Category 3 with their own group.

Ups and downs

As with any group, there were difficult moments. In 1994, technical issues prevented Plantrekkers 80 from participating, and the women also sat that year out. However, a turning point arrived two years later: the merger with "de Rakkers." The result was a new, strong light parade group that made an immediate impression. In 1996, with "Scorpio Sana in Scorpio Sano," the Plantrakkers achieved an impressive 3rd place in Category 1, as well as the prize for originality.

An impressive track record

Over the years, the Plantrakkers have achieved countless successes. Their floats have always been renowned for craftsmanship, innovation, and a masterful use of light. Some highlights:

• 1981 – First prize, Category 2 with “Flying Planet”
• 1990 – Originality Award with “Verbinding”
• 1996 – Originality Award with “Scorpio Sana in…”
• 2003 – First prize, Category 1 with “Zoo Lang geleden”
• 2008 – First prize, Category 1 and Lighting Award with “We vlogen met een zucht”
• 2009 – First prize, Category 1 and Lighting Award with “Andy Warhol meets Leonardo da Vinci”
• 2010 – Lighting Award with “Tijd: De 4e Dimensie”
• 2011 – First prize, Category 1 with “Kwallius Roboticus”
• 2012 – First prize, Category 1 with “Stomende Stieren stormen door Stralende Straten”
• 2024 – Lighting Award with “Veni Vidi Vici”

Summary:

• 5x Best use of lighting
• 1x Originality Award
• 5x First prize in Category 1
• Multiple Press Awards

New generation, new successes

In 2023, the group underwent a major rejuvenation: an enthusiastic group of young people breathed new life into the Plantrakkers. Their first floats immediately demonstrated that the craftsmanship and passion remain undiminished.

In their second year, they promptly won the award for best use of lighting with “Veni Vidi Vici”—an unprecedented achievement for a new generation. This year, with “Flits uit het verleden,” they are once again showcasing pure craftsmanship, proving that the Plantrakkers' future is at least as promising as their rich past.