Feeling overwhelmed at Carnival, the time of year when the Dutch start using even stranger words than usual?
Carnival is mainly celebrated in the south of the Netherlands, so many terms associated with the festival are derived from local dialects. This, combined with words for practices that only occur during Carnival time, can make it hard for a non-local to follow conversations at the festivities.
If you are attending a Dutch Carnival event, have our list of terms handy so you can party along with the right lingo!
Traditionally shouted while accompanied by a crooked salute in which you bring the fingers of your right hand up to your left temple.
The first day of fasting in the Catholic tradition, and the first day after Carnival. This is traditionally a day of repentance.
A mock ceremony of a selected bride and groom who carry the love for Carnival. In the spirit of role reversal the couple are dressed as farmers, regardless of their stature.
Traditionally worn as a costume, especially at the Bourgondisch Carnival.
The name for Carnival in and around Brabant, One of two types of Carnival. This version is more cosy, generally celebrated inside bars, more inclusive and the costumes are simpler.
Carnival comes with its own songs made especially for the occasion. A good Carnavalskraker is perfect for shouting along with in a big, intoxicated group while dancing a polonaise.
An orchestra of percussionists and wind instruments that plays festive hits. The word dweilen generally means "to mop" in Dutch, but in this context it means "to amble", and indicates the partygoers ambling from bar to bar.
In Maastricht, this is called Bónte Störm, which lasts three days and consists of a riotous and chaotic, costumed group of people.
Dancing to music in 6/8 time.
Special inside party orchestra that you mainly see at the Rijnlands Carnival.
The name for Breda during Carnival.
The name for Eindhoven during Carnival.
The patroness of the Maastricht Carnival.
The name for Den Bosch during Carnival.
Tradition prevalent in South Limburg. Everyone who ventures out without an old lady’s costume during this event risks being ridiculed. Some go so far as to cut off other people’s ties and shoelaces. Also called Truujendaag in Venlo.
Popular choices for Carnival costumes are class-distinctive clothes, such as farmer's smocks, jester's suits, uniforms, robes and crowns. You will also see colourful clothes like fanfare outfits and traditional Dutch dress, all embellished to fit the party mood.
A dance where people hold on to each other’s shoulders, form a line and parade around to party music. Originally used to describe a stately Polish dance, this version is very different.
Though not an exclusive carnival dance, a lot of polonaise lines will generally appear during festivities. Also known as the only time the Dutch will form a voluntary queue.
Elected city ruler by a city’s Carnival society. He receives the key to the city during the celebrations.
Prins Carnaval’s council and following, consisting of a jester and other members.
The other of two types of Carnival. This version is more outgoing, is celebrated in the bars and on the streets and often has more elaborate costumes. It also sticks more to the big cities.
The symbolic presenting of the key and rule of the city by the mayor of a city to Prins Carnaval on the first day of Carnival.
Large, decorated puppets that are erected during Carnival and paraded around. Many stadsreuzen represent famous creatures from folk tales.
Traditionally worn by Prins Carnaval.
A comic speech in traditional dialect in Brabant, making fun of local events and celebrities. The speaker often stands inside an actual barrel. Similar versions are sauwelaar, buuttereedner in Limburg or ouwoer in Zeeland.
Limburg dialect for Vastenavond (Fasting Night), also known as Vette Dinsdag. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and the last night of Carnival.
The orchestras that precede the Maastricht street Carnival parade.
Any other words you heard during Carnival, and would you like to know their meaning? Let us know in the comments below!