The Origin of the Oranjebus
It all started about two decades ago when a group of friends, who bonded over their love for Dutch soccer, came up with a wild idea over beers – buying an old double-decker bus. They envisioned painting it orange, the national color of the Netherlands, and transforming it into a mobile bar with powerful speakers. This marked the birth of the iconic Oranjebus.
The Transformation
What began as a simple bus has now evolved into something much more extraordinary. Today, the Oranjebus serves as a symbol of unity for tens of thousands of Dutch fans. It leads vibrant parades with fans dressed in orange, passionately singing, chanting, and dancing their way to stadiums across the globe to support their national team.
Unplanned Success
Henk van Beek, the bus’s official D.J. and the leader of the friends who purchased it, reflects on the unexpected journey, saying, “We never anticipated this level of success. We are just a group of fans, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Organized Chaos
While the Oranjebus’s beginnings were spontaneous and carefree, it has now become a well-coordinated operation. Mr. van Beek and his friends collaborate with local authorities and the Dutch soccer federation to plan the match day festivities. The marches have grown in scale, necessitating security measures and approval from the police.
