Maastricht Carnival

Name: Maastricht Carnival
Start: 2025-03-01
End: 2025-03-03
Location: Maastricht

Three Days When Color, Chaos, and Community Take Over a Medieval City

2026/02/14 - 2026/02/16

Every February or March, the southern Dutch gem of Maastricht erupts in the joyous chaos of Carnival (locally called Vastelaovend). For three days, the city’s cobbled streets, grand squares, and historic bridges overflow with wild costumes, brass bands, and an infectious energy that sweeps up both locals and visitors. Tradition, music, and revelry blend seamlessly with medieval architecture and Limburg hospitality, making Maastricht Carnival one of the Netherlands’ most immersive festivals.

From the opening cannon blast on Vrijthof Square to the final echoes of brass bands in the Markt, Maastricht Carnival is a feast for the senses. Dazzling costumes, the aroma of fried pastries, the taste of local beer, and confetti underfoot-families, partygoers, and culture lovers alike can enjoy the Netherlands’ warmest and most exuberant Carnival.

Main Attractions

Boonte Störrem Grand Parade & Street Carnival

The highlight of Carnival is Sunday’s Boonte Störrem Grand Parade. Themed floats, giant puppets, brass bands (Zate Hermeniekes), and costumed groups wind through the city center. The streets are awash in red, yellow, and green-the Carnival colors-while music, dancing, and laughter fill every corner.

But it’s not just about the parade: Maastricht is famous for its “street carnival,” where spontaneous music, dancing, and bar-hopping turn the whole city into one giant party. Anyone can join in, and the cheerful chaos and sense of togetherness are irresistible.

Key Events: Prince Carnival, Key Ceremony, and Cramignon Dance

The festivities begin with the arrival of the Prince Carnival, who receives the symbolic “key to the city” from the mayor-taking charge for three days. The Prince leads the parade and is the festival’s playful figurehead.

On Saturday, the Prince offers a wreath of vegetables to the Mooswief statue, the Carnival’s patroness. Every evening at 8:33 pm, crowds gather in the Markt for the traditional Cramignon dance-a communal line dance where anyone can join hands and swirl through the square, uniting the city in joyful movement.

Costumes & Decorations

The soul of Carnival is the “pekskes”-homemade costumes. Locals spend months creating outfits with feathers, sequins, wigs, face paint, and outrageous hats, often with humor or satire. The city is draped in red, yellow, and green banners and garlands, with bridges, lampposts, and even bikes decked out in Carnival colors. Many costumes include a performance or act, adding to the playful spirit.

Traditional Food & Drink

The signature treat is nonnevotten-ribbon-shaped fried doughnuts available only during Carnival. Local bakeries and stalls are packed with these sweet pastries. You’ll also find blood sausage, liver sausage, gingerbread, and hearty stews, all washed down with Limburg beer or jenever (Dutch gin). Historic cafés and bars are filled with revelers sharing drinks and songs late into the night.

Cultural and Historical Background

Maastricht Carnival (Vastelaovend) traces its roots to medieval Catholic traditions of feasting, drinking, and merrymaking before Lent. Originally, Carnival was a time when social rules and class boundaries were temporarily reversed, with commoners and “fools” taking over the city and releasing everyday tensions. It also marked the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and abundance. Over time, Carnival became part of the Catholic calendar, celebrated for three days (Sunday to Tuesday) before Lent.

Records show Carnival-like festivities in Maastricht as early as the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, there were both elite “Société Momus” balls and popular street Carnivals. After World War II, the Carnival association “De Tempeleers” merged these traditions, creating a festival where nobles and commoners, young and old, locals and newcomers all celebrate together. The season officially opens at 11:11 am on November 11, with rituals like the election of the Prince Carnival, the key ceremony, the Mooswief statue, and the Boonte Störrem Grand Parade still cherished today.

Carnival is especially vibrant in Limburg and North Brabant-Catholic regions of the Netherlands-where Belgian and German influences remain strong. Costumes (pekskes), floats, brass bands, spontaneous music and dance, and the tradition of “role reversal” are all symbols of community spirit, creativity, and humor. From months of preparation to the festival itself, Maastricht Carnival brings together generations, neighborhoods, and newcomers, making it the true heart of the city.

Participant Voices

As a tourist, I was blown away by the colors and energy. I ended up in a tiny bar singing Dutch songs with locals who welcomed me like an old friend. I’ll never forget my first taste of nonnevotten.

Fun Facts

The Carnival colors-red, yellow, and green-decorate everything from flags and pastries to face paint.

Festival Dates

Maastricht Carnival is held every February or March in the city center. Arrive early, dress up boldly, and dive into the music, laughter, and magic of the city’s biggest celebration!