Freelance journalist. Former Lifestyle Editor of IamExpat.
Do not miss Maastricht carnival!
28 February 2011, by Anita Kalmane
If the classic Russian movie Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром! (The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!) has the legendary phrase "Every year with my friends we go to the sauna," then I have my own legendary phrase for the Netherlands: "Every year with my friends we go to Maastricht carnival."
Photo: Courtesy of Anita Kalmane
I do not know if you have heard about Maastricht carnival before or even participated in one but if you have been in Venice or Rio de Janeiro carnivals, then be aware - Dutch carnivals are very, very different!
Although the carnival has a long history leading back to the times when people used to be more religious and ready to fast after the long winter, nowadays, it is mostly a great excuse to dress up and party for several days and nights.
Back in the "old days," inhabitants of Maastricht used to pray several hours and fast, while nowadays they seem to (primarily) focus on costume preparation and in fact, not only for the official parade on Sunday, but also throughout the carnival from March 5 till 8 (Saturday - Tuesday).
One of my best friends grew up in Cadier en Keer, a small town less than 10 kilometres away from Maastricht. Since he and his sister were kids, they have been thoroughly preparing their costumes, which were checked and sewed at home several months beforehand, so now they have a room full of costumes. A couple of years ago, he invited me and some other friends to celebrate carnival with him and his family. Since then, we have been returning every year and this year will be no exception.
It is a bit hard to describe the special feeling in your heart once you dive into the festivities in the streets of Maastricht. Diverse range of costumes, old-school music constantly following the same rhythm, happy faces and a sense of equality where even a five years old girl in a princess dress and a serious businessman dressed as a card deck can dance together.
But I can tell you this for sure: it is an event you must not miss. Prepare a unique costume, drinks in plastic bottles and your body for four days and nights without sleep!
More
› Agenda of the carnival
› Parade route & heart of the carnival
Also read
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› Latest news in the Netherlands
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WRITE A COMMENT
I would also like to encourage those who can't take days off join the carnival just for the weekend.
Sunday parade definitely is one of the most interesting things and the first time I also enjoyed the end of the carnival on Tue evening when there was the official closure and the doll on the market square was taken down. However, even if you have only Sat & Sun free, drive down to Maastricht and you will have fun anyway!
A tip - go by train and get dressed already before getting in the train! There will be loads of people like you :)
Not really a fan of carnivals, but have heard a lot about the one in Maastricht! It seems that all the attention in the South (and not only) of the Netherlands every year is concentrated there.