Marco Titulaer

Marco has been celebrating carnival since he was a child, so it's certainly no burden for him. When he became a police officer, he was able to celebrate carnival less, but shifts have to be filled, and officers are much needed on the street. “You see that events, especially after the corona period, are more crowded. People are really ready for a party, so I expect it will be incredibly busy.”

Throughout the year, there are many events in Venlo, and because Marco, as the community police officer for Venlo-Centrum, was already advising the municipality a lot, it was almost natural for him to take on this role. From Beesel to Lomm, he advises on Public Order and Traffic Measures. Months in advance, he starts meeting about the Boetezitting. They discuss new changes, scenarios, and how to respond to them. All safety services (Fire Brigade, GHOR, and Police) write an advisory report and pass it on to the municipality. With these advisories, they hope for a safe celebration. Despite the large number of visitors, the arrests during the Boetezitting can be counted on two hands, and Marco is incredibly proud of this!

On carnival Saturday morning at 07:00, Marco's workday begins. After briefing the staff, he sits in the camera control room at the police station where he keeps a close eye on the event areas. He also receives drone images. Thanks to the footage from both cameras and drones, incidents can be spotted more quickly, and preventive actions can be taken. Throughout the day, about 40 officers are deployed during the Boetezitting to manage the event smoothly.

On carnival Sunday, Marco has a day off. He plans to immerse himself in the festivities. Marco will be so disguised that no one will recognize him. He is also off on carnival Monday, and he can be found at the residence of the “Wortelenschrabbers” in Boekend. Marco hopes for beautiful weather during the Boetegewoene Boetezitting. “No rain and a bit of sun, then it will be a wonderful celebration again!”

He notes that the special thing about working on the street during carnival is that you get swept up by the conviviality. The carnival celebrants really involve you in the party, and that’s what makes carnival so special according to Marco. “The complete entourage, the people, and the exuberance... it's one big party!”