Carnival in Maastricht

Experience Maastricht at Its Most Colourful

Name: Hotel Maison Maastricht Centrum - Handwritten Collection
Address: Boschstraat 76, Maastricht, 6211 AX, NL
Telephone: +31 43 200 3143

For a few days each year, Maastricht transforms into a city of costumes, music, parades and celebration. Carnival — or Vastelaovend as it is known locally — brings the streets to life with colourful costumes, brass bands and crowds celebrating together. It is one of the most distinctive times to experience Maastricht.

What to expect

Maastricht Goes All Out: During Carnival, the historic centre becomes one big celebration. Streets and squares fill with music, colourful costumes and people of all ages. Whether you join the celebrations or simply wander through the city and take in the atmosphere, Maastricht during Carnival is an experience unlike any other.

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Follow the Music

Music is everywhere during Vastelaovend. Traditional brass bands, local musicians and Carnival songs create the soundtrack of the celebrations, with different sounds coming from cafés, streets and squares throughout the city. Follow the music as you explore Maastricht and you will almost certainly discover another part of the celebration along the way.

Watch the Carnival Parade

The Carnival parade is one of the biggest highlights of Vastelaovend in Maastricht. Find a good spot along the route and watch as colourful floats, creative costumes, marching bands and Carnival groups fill the streets. The atmosphere builds as the parade moves through the city, making it a great way to experience the tradition and energy of Maastricht's Carnival.

Dress Up for Vastelaovend

Dressing up is an important part of Carnival in Maastricht. You will see everything from simple colourful outfits to elaborate handmade costumes, with friends and families often choosing a theme together. Pick your own costume, add some colour and join the crowds — during Carnival, the more creative, the better.

Experience Carnival in the City Centre

The historic centre is transformed during Carnival, with streets and squares filled with people, decorations and music. Walk from one square to another, stop at a café for a drink and watch the celebrations unfold around you. Vrijthof and the surrounding streets are particularly atmospheric, giving you a real sense of how Maastricht celebrates Vastelaovend.

Celebrate Like a Local

The best way to experience Carnival is to become part of it. Put on your costume, join the crowds and embrace the relaxed, spontaneous atmosphere of Vastelaovend. Spend the day wandering between cafés, streets and squares, listen to the local songs and celebrate alongside the people of Maastricht. It's an experience that goes far beyond simply watching a Carnival event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnival takes place over several days, usually in February or March. The exact dates change each year depending on Easter.

Carnival is known locally as Vastelaovend. It is a deeply rooted tradition in Maastricht, with its own costumes, music, songs and traditions.

The city comes alive with colourful parades, costumes, brass bands, music, parties and celebrations throughout the historic city centre.

There is no strict dress code, but dressing up is a big part of the experience. Visitors are very welcome to join in and embrace the colourful atmosphere.

The historic city centre is at the heart of the celebrations, with Vrijthof and surrounding streets and squares becoming lively gathering places throughout Carnival.

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Contact

Boschstraat 76

6211 AX Maastricht

The Netherlands

+31 43 200 3143

HC3V9@accor.com