Carnival in the Netherlands isn’t just a party—it’s a full-blown cultural explosion of music, costumes, parades, and, of course, a lot of beer. If you’ve never experienced it before, think of it as a mix between Oktoberfest and Halloween but with a Dutch twist. Whether you’re a traveler, an expat, or a local looking to dive deeper into this wild tradition, this guide will help you navigate the most exciting Dutch party of the year.
A Brief History of Dutch Carnival
Carnival (or “Carnaval” in Dutch) is rooted in the Catholic tradition of feasting and celebration before the fasting period of Lent. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a chaotic, costume-filled, music-blaring spectacle. It’s primarily celebrated in the southern provinces—Brabant and Limburg—where Catholic influences remain strong.
But wait! It’s not just a ‘south of the Netherlands’ thing anymore. Rotterdam has recently embraced a Caribbean-style carnival, adding an extra layer of diversity and flair to the celebration.
When and Where to Celebrate Carnival in the Netherlands
Carnival takes place in February or March, depending on the liturgical calendar. The festivities kick off the weekend before Ash Wednesday and last until Tuesday night (although let’s be real, the hangover might last a bit longer). This year (2025) carnaval starts on the 27th of February till the 4th of March.
If you’re wondering where to go, these cities are the real MVPs of Dutch Carnival:
Brabant:
- Den Bosch (Oeteldonk): Imagine thousands of people dressed in red, white, and yellow scarves, singing and dancing in the streets. They are a bit strict with the outfit to enter some places, so make sure you got the right outfit.
- Breda (Kielegat): The party capital of Brabant, known for massive parades and wild street parties.
- Tilburg (Kruikenstad): Green and orange are the colors here, and locals get very into the spirit.
- Eindhoven (Lampegat): Tech city by day, carnival madness by night.
Limburg:
- Maastricht: The fancy, stylish cousin of the Brabant celebrations, Maastricht’s carnival includes lots of brass bands and stunning handmade costumes.
- Venlo (Jocus Riék): Big on traditional music and festivities.
- Roermond (Vastelaovend): A hidden gem with deep-rooted carnival traditions.
Beyond Brabant and Limburg:
Carnival isn’t just for the south! Other Catholic regions like parts of Gelderland, Twente, and Zeeland also celebrate in full force.
And of course, Rotterdam’s Caribbean Carnival is an entirely different vibe and is celebrated during the summertime (zomercarnaval)—expect vibrant costumes, energetic dance performances, and tropical beats. This carnival is different as it is inspired by the Dutch Caribbean carnival (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), which in turn has influences from other Caribbean islands like Trinidad and Tobago. During this Carnaval, some of the music you’ll hear includes calypso, soca, and road march.
What to Expect During Carnival
- Costumes, Costumes, Costumes – This is your chance to go all out. Whether you dress as a giant banana, a medieval knight, or a completely unrecognizable version of yourself, there are no rules—only creativity!
- Parades (Optochten) – Think extravagant floats, marching bands, and thousands of people dancing in the streets.
- Muziek! – Expect an overdose of Dutch carnival music (Schlager-style sing-alongs and brass bands) and sometimes electronic music. Hits like “Er staat een paard in de gang” will be stuck in your head for days.
- Bier en Bitterballen – Beer flows like water, and deep-fried snacks like bitterballen and frikandellen are your best friends.
- Polonaises & Dutch Drinking Games – Get ready to link arms with strangers and shuffle around the bar in an endless polonaise.
- Alter Egos & Nicknames – During Carnival, cities temporarily change their names (e.g., Den Bosch becomes Oeteldonk), and many people adopt carnival names to fully embrace the spirit of the season.
How to Prepare Like a Pro
- Get Your Outfit Early: Carnavalswinkels (carnival shops) pop up everywhere leading up to the event. Popular search terms: carnavalkleding, carnavalswinkel, or carnaval emblemen.
- Learn a Few Dutch Carnival Songs: It will make you an instant crowd favorite. Some songs you can look up are “Jan Biggel – Lege Pullen”, “Veul Gère – Deur de achterdeur”, or “STUK & Immer Hansi – Forever LAM”.
- Pace Yourself: This isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon of partying. Make sure to stay hydrated.
- Cash is King: Many smaller bars and street vendors might not accept cards. Having cash is also useful for accessing restrooms.
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Hotels in major carnival cities fill up fast, and this will be a bit more reliable than NS (public transportation) after a long day.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Carnival is the Netherlands at its most uninhibited and welcoming. It’s a time when social norms are flipped upside down, and the only rule is to have fun. Whether you’re experiencing the brass-band charm of Maastricht, the beer-fueled chaos of Breda, or the tropical flair of Rotterdam, Carnival in the Netherlands is something you have to experience at least once in your life.