Fan of Sluis.

Sluis Fans: Freddy and Mariette Denijs

Today, we meet Freddy and his wife Mariette at restaurant R. De Corner. To many visitors, Freddy is known by his stage name Alfredo. Together with Marnix, Patrick, and formerly Jozef, he has been part of the musical ensemble De Alfredo’s for years. If you ever visit the Evening Markets, chances are high you’ve already seen and heard them play.

Meeting up at R. De Corner is no coincidence. They love coming here with friends and family for a plate of mussels or a drink. It has also been their regular home base during performances for years.

The Bond Between the Alfredo’s and Sluis

The Alfredo’s have been performing in the center of Sluis for nearly 30 years. Freddy once left his contact details, and through Guido from Maison Distinguée, the ball got rolling. Since then, they have been roaming the streets playing music, completely without sheet music. Marnix on percussion, Patrick on accordion, and Freddy on his wind instrument. “In all these years, we’ve appeared in many different guises,” Freddy says. “We started out as clowns, but we’ve also come as musketeers, friars, cyclists, Tyroleans, Santas, and most recently as Easter bunnies.”

What Makes Sluis Special to Them?

“The people. We know so many of them by now because we’ve been performing here for a long time, as well as in many other places across Belgium. A thumbs-up here, a wave there… it feels like coming home.” The atmosphere, the decorations, and the other street performers also make Sluis unique to them. “We actually adjust our holidays so we can perform here during the evening markets.” There are plenty of anecdotes after all these years. One moment that really stands out is a performance during the parade: “Playing music from the back of an American classic car, we drove right through the center of Sluis.”

Visiting Sluis as Guests

Freddy and Mariette also visit Sluis in their spare time: “We love coming here off-duty to the places where we perform to indulge in the good things in life—sometimes by bike, other times by car.” They enjoy food and drinks at one of the many local restaurants and cafés. They like to shop at Maison Distinguée or one of the other boutiques. “When you arrive in Sluis, you instantly get that holiday feeling. And the friendliness of the people completes the picture.”

They aren't just fans of Sluis—Sluis is a big fan of the Alfredo’s too! And who knows, the next generation might already be waiting in the wings: grandson Laurens occasionally plays along as well.