If you are heading south in the Netherlands in February, you will soon notice that dutch carnival costumes are a serious business. Carnaval, as it is called locally, is celebrated mostly in the Catholic south, in Limburg and North Brabant, and the dress-up part is the heart of it. Here is a guide to the traditions, popular styles and how to join in without feeling out of place.
How Dutch carnival works
Carnaval takes place in the days before Lent. Cities like Maastricht, Den Bosch (which temporarily renames itself Oeteldonk) and Breda hold parades, concerts and street parties. People dress up, often as a group, and the whole town turns into one long party. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, with bands playing, beer flowing and strangers chatting.
Classic costume ideas
Some costumes show up every year:
- Farmer or peasant outfits, with a red or blue scarf (a nod to old tradition)
- Animals, from bears to bees, often in full-body suits
- Superheroes, pirates and clowns
- Group themes where friends all dress as the same thing, such as a football team or a cartoon
- Funny homemade creations, such as walking food or objects
Homemade is respected. Humour often matters more than perfection, so a clever idea made from cardboard can win more smiles than a store-bought suit.
Dressing for the weather
February in the Netherlands is cold and wet, and you will spend many hours outside. Choose warm layers under the costume and comfortable shoes you can walk and stand in. Full-body onesies are popular for that reason. A hat or wig can also help, but keep a spare if there is rain.
Where to buy or rent
Costume shops and party stores fill up weeks before Carnaval. You can also find outfits in second-hand shops, which is a budget-friendly approach, and many people sew their own. In the south, many local stores run a special carnival section in January and early February.
Etiquette and safety
Some themes are unwise. Avoid costumes that mock real groups or rely on stereotypes. Keep valuables close, since the crowds are dense, and plan how you will get home before you start celebrating. Public transport runs extra services in some towns, but check ahead.
If you are visiting from abroad
You do not need an elaborate costume to take part. A simple hat, face paint or a funny jumper will fit in. Join a local café, listen to the music and follow the parade. Accommodation books up well in advance for the larger carnival cities, so reserve early. If you are visiting Maastricht, you might also like our German article on the Maastricht Weihnachtsmarkt for a different season in the same city.
Why people love it
Carnaval is about letting go of rank and routine for a few days. Doctors and builders are in the same crowd, and nobody asks what you do for a living. It is joyful, a bit chaotic and very Dutch in its own southern way.
Final tips
Start planning your outfit a few weeks early, make it comfortable and enjoy the moment. For more cultural travel guides, visit invisionfree.com. Background on the festival is on Carnival in the Netherlands on Wikipedia.
