Carnaval in Zuid-Limburg
On the first weekend of March this year, it all breaks loose again: Carnaval. The merriest, craziest, most colourful party celebrated in this region. To celebrate Carnaval in the Netherlands, you have to be in Noord-Brabant or Limburg. It is also celebrated in neighbouring Germany and Belgium only certain regions.
There is not much to understand about Carnaval, it is better to just celebrate it and not take it too seriously. Besides, every town or village has its own customs and celebrations. There are a few standouts in the Maastricht Region that you should definitely check out.
Unique celebrations across the Maastricht Region
’t Mooswief vaan Maastricht
If you have ever walked across the Markt in Maastricht then you have probably already noticed her statue. The Mooswief (vegetable lady) has been standing there since 1953. Her statue is not based on an existing person but an image of a typical Maastricht market woman. She has also been the most important Maastricht Carnaval figure of Vasteloavend (dialect for Carnaval) for years.
As a seller of the fruits of the land, she symbolises the fertility of the new season, spring. Carnaval is originally the feast of the lengthening of the days and the run-up to spring.
On Carnavalszondag, a large figure of the Mooswief is hoisted onto a pole on the Vrijthof by Prins Carnaval. This marks the start of Carnaval in Maastricht. As long as she is hanging up there, the whole city celebrates. At the stroke of midnight on Carnavalsdinsdag, she is slowly taken down from that pole again to the cheers of many people and maybe even a tear here and there. Then the best party of the year is over again in Maastricht.
By the way, the Mooswief does not like flowers, which is why the Prins always honours her with a wreath of vegetables.
Celebrating in Maastricht
Visit Maastricht has a dedicated page in English where you can find more information on carnival traditions and planned activities.
't Kanón van ’t Balkón (Sittard)
Saturday 1 March: from 17:00 to half an hour after midnight, a host of regional artists will perform from a stage set up in the middle of the historic Markt. For years, vastelaovesvierders (Carnaval-goers), revellers from all over the province and the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion have enjoyed a unique atmosphere.
Maske begrave
This tradition is almost 100 years old. What the Mooswief is to Maastricht, the Maske is to Sittard. The Maske is the Sittard mask on a flag. It is lowered on Tuesday evening around 23:11 as a symbolic end to the Carnaval celebrations, after a parade with many participants from the market to the Kloosterplein where the saddened Carnavalsvierders can pay their Maske a final salute.
Intocht Blauw Sjuut (Heerlen)
The eye-catching blue Gilde Blauw Sjuut Prinsenkar from Heerlen travels through many Carnaval towns to announce that Carnaval is really about to begin.
After the Blauw Sjuut and its crew have announced Vasteloavend in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, a festive reception in home port Heerlen is in order. The barrage will end on the Pancratiusplein. The crew will be welcomed, the donkey will get its jester's cap and a host of artists will provide even more atmosphere than on this one.
Boètegewoeëne Boètezitting (Venlo)
Enjoy the many performances on 6 different stages in Venlo city centre. Traditionally, since 1992, Venlo kicks off Carnaval, the Vastelaovend, with an event in the Zoépkoel. In the early years, the Boétezitting was a small party for Venlo residents. Over the years, it has grown into the biggest Carnaval party in Limburg with stages throughout the city. The singers, bands and brass bands create a fantastic atmosphere on the market.
Why always 11?
There is always a raad van 11 (council of 11), the Carnaval season starts on 11/11 and many activities and parades start not on the hour, but always 11 minutes after.
The number 11 is the dwazengetal (fool number) or gekkengetal (crazy number) in the Netherlands. Possibly because it is -1 from the number 12 which is the number of perfection. 11 is therefore the number of imperfection and has been inextricably linked to the crazy Carnaval festivities for years.
Aswoensdag (Ash Wednesday)
After the partying, there is a time for reflection. The day after Carnavalsdinsdag is, in the Catholic tradition. Ash Wednesday. This marks the beginning of the 40-day Vastentijd (Lent) period, which runs until Stille Zaterdag (the day before Easter Sunday). From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, there are 40 days of Lent, not counting Sundays.
People who still follow this tradition then go to church to get an ash cross on their forehead. In many places people eat salt herring. Here, too, there are different traditions around this per municipality.
Celebrations over the border
Are you a big fan of parades? Then be sure to check out the celebrations in these nearby cities in neighbouring countries. The buttons lead to more information in Dutch and German.
Lanaken (Belgium)
Definitely make sure to watch the Bèssemkaravaan Karnavalsstoet Laoneke. Great parade on Sunday, starting at 14:11.
Aachen (Germany)
Rosenmontag parade (Frolic Monday) is the highlight of the German Carnival. As you might have guessed it akes place on Monday.
Philzuid Vasteloavend concerts
Concert series from 21 Feb to 1 March 2025. A programme full of beautiful songs in a mix of Carnaval, classical and nuuëdige flauwekul! You can visit Vastelaovendconcerten by Philzuid in Heerlen, Weert, Maastricht and Geleen, Sittard, Venlo and Roermond.
Find more information on the Philzuid website
