Carnival 2024 in Maastricht

Carnival 2024

It's that time of year again! From 11 February up until and including 13 February 2024, the ultimate Carnival city of the Netherlands, Maastricht, will be a city of revelry. During these three days, the Carnival people of Maastricht will be celebrating together once again.

Since the 11th of the 11th (11 November), the traditional opening of the Carnival season, the spirit of Carnival has been making its way through the city and everyone has been hard at work on their costumes, materials, and floats for the big Carnival parade on Carnival Sunday.

While local residents will already know this, visitors should be informed that certain businesses and institutions will have adjusted opening hours during Carnival. Many of the businesses, museums, cultural institutions, and shops will be closed over this period. But don't worry, on the Sunday and Monday you can watch the cheerful Carnival parades that make their way through the city.

Carnival terminology

De elfde-van-de-elfde (the eleventh of the eleventh
The day of celebration on 11 November on which the Carnival season is officially opened.

Prins Carnaval (Prince Carnival
The ‘prince of fools’. The Carnival Prince of Maastricht is selected in secret every year by a triumvirate of the Kanzelarij raod (protocol committee) of the De Tempeleers Carnival association. During the proclamation of the Prince, the new Prince is announced and revealed to the masses on Markt square.

Sleuteloverdracht (the Presentation of the Key
The Saturday before Carnival, the Prince is handed the key to the city by the mayor at 3:11 PM. This is a symbolic handing over of the rule of the city to the Prince for the three days of Carnival.

Zate Hermeniekes
They take care of the musical entertainment. Carnival celebrations in Maastricht mostly take place outside in the streets, and this is where the brass bands, called Zate Hermeniekes (literally tipsy brass bands), can be found entertaining the crowds.

The Boonte Störrem Carnival parade
The Carnival parade is organized by the city Carnival association the De Tempeleers, and takes place on Carnival Sunday. The parade is a lively collection of themed floats, brass bands, and Carnival groups and associations.

Pekske
During the year, the people of Maastricht are known as 'well-dressed'. During carnival, they are especially 'well-dressed' in costume. People of Maastricht always go for a fully equipped 'pekske' (costume), often with an accompanying act. Because even during carnival we are the city of good taste ;)

Are you visiting the city during carnival? Then it is useful to know the best way to reach the city. If you come by car, check in advance where you can best park it. Coming by bike? Then park it in one of the guarded bicycle parking spaces. Prefer to go by public transport? Find out in advance when buses and trains are running.

Arriva night bus

The Arriva night buses are back. A convenient service available during carnival. The Arriva night buses are additional buses deployed during the late hours, from Saturday 10 February to Tuesday 13 February. This way, you can enjoy carnival all day without worrying about getting home. Let Arriva night buses safely take you home!

Go to Arriva

Delicious!

Nonnevotte are lip-smacking, scrumptious treats! If you don't know what it is: a nonnevot is a traditional sweet pastry that is eaten during Carnival. However, we have to admit that a nonnevot tastes delicious any time of year. Just like the zweretege vinger (pastry filled with custard cream) and the Berliner doughnut, these traditional Carnival treats can be found at bakeries throughout Maastricht.

Read the blog

Mestreechter Geis

The Mestreechter Geis means the ‘spirit of Maastricht’ in the local dialect and has been personified in a beautiful bronze statue. If you try to describe the locals of Maastricht, it always comes down to a particular attitude and way of life. If you go to our online store, you can get your own Mestreechter Geis and bring the spirit of Carnival into your home!

Buy it here

‘Teleurke’
‘Teleurke’

Carnival calls for a hearty breakfast – an absolute must. To stay completely in Maastricht style, why not eat your sandwich or fried egg on this ‘Teleurke’ (‘plate’ in Maastricht dialect)?

Check out the ‘Teleurke’ plate
‘Mestreechs Volksleed’
‘Mestreechs Volksleed’

As the anthem of the city of Maastricht, the ‘Volkslied’ is full of local passion and pride. Put up this poster and enjoy the Maastricht vibes. Be sure to practise so you can sing along!

Check out the anthem
'Enne' Tote Bag
'Enne' Tote Bag

A bag always comes in handy at carnival. Grab a 'Enne' tote bag from the local maker Pierre Maastricht and carry everything with you in Maastricht style. Ideal for those cheese bites, dry sausage, or traditional ‘nonnevot’ doughnuts you want to take with you as a snack.

Check out the bag