Another Carnaval season has come and gone, but not without some celebration! It's one of the greatest perks of living in the southern part of the Netherlands. Here's a quick glimpse of our Sunday party. (Sunday is the beginning of the festivities, here in Maastricht). And since my camera died 20 minutes after we left the house (oopps) all photos are courtesy of my friend Erika Douma.
Now that the "Alaaf" season is done and winter has no end in sight, what's next? I guess we have to start looking forward to spring. :)
Carnaval in Maastricht was a blast, but I'm glad it's over! Day into night partying takes a lot out of you. Year 2 in Maastricht and I still love this lively celebration. The costumes, bad music, and happy people in the streets. It's all good fun. I can't believe how much time and effort people put into their costumes. Bright colors, huge hats, headpieces, face painting, costumes that light up or stand 5 feet in the air! It's always fun to see the creativity.
Here is one of my favorites. I saw them last year, so it's gotta be an annual tradition. A group of people made costumes that replicate some "Carnaval" artwork that's publicly displayed in the Vrijthof.
One of my favorite costumes
Actual artwork in the Vrijthof
Parade
The Mooswief
Despite the bad weather which included: snow, hail, and sunshine, we partied on!
It was pretty chilly so heading inside was a must. Here I am with my "gypsy sister" Angela.
Another one of my favorite costumes
What a great 5 days! Til next year Carnaval... Alaaf!
My favorite thing about living in the southern part of the Netherlands has to be Carnaval. Hands down, it's the most exciting and unique thing about Maastricht. Brabant and Limburg come alive with costumes, parades, all day long partying, and bad Carnaval music. What's not to love?
Even though Maastricht is THE place to celebrate, I really enjoy celebrating in Jaap's hometown. We went to Oirschot on Friday night along with our American-Dutch group of friends from Maastricht. Seeing the Redtband is a great way to get the festivities started.Thank you to Trees & Jan who hosted us for the night. It was nice to spend time with you. And one of the best parts, we got to see Jaap's party band live. Always a good time!
Here's some footage of our Friday night with the Redtband.
The Redtband
Jaap's parents met us out for a drink
Pete, Jacob, Arie & Jenny ready to party
Carnaval isn't over yet. We still have one more day of partying, drinks, and good times. I'm glad that I took today off to recover. I "alaaf-ed" til I dropped. But, the fun continues tomorrow for the closing night of this wonderful holiday!
It's almost time. Carnaval is right around the corner and the celebrations will commence tomorrow. We're spending our first night in Jaap's hometown with our Kolonisten (Settlers of Catan) gaming friends. (We've grown quite close to our American/Dutch crew of friends here). I'm excited they get to see Jaap's party band in action. So veel plezier to everyone in Brabant, Limburg and places in the northern parts of the Netherlands that wished they lived here this week. :) Alaaf!
I hope these pictures give you an idea of how much fun it is celebrating Carnaval in Maastricht. Maastricht turns into one huge party for five days with bright lights, elaborate costumes, music, and people partying in the streets all over the city center. The costumes alone are incredible. The amount of time, effort, creativity, and money that goes into these outfits is impressive. My friends and I quickly realized that we were underdressed, but we're already thinking of ideas for the next one!
After spending Friday and Saturday in Oirschot with Jaap and his Redt Band, we came to Maastricht on Sunday for a different scene. I heard from many people that Sunday is the best day of Carnaval and it is the first official day of the holiday in Maastricht. On Sunday the Mooswief (that's dialect) is raised up in the middle of the Vrijtof and the parade officially begins. They bring her down on Tuesday at midnight for the official close of Carnaval. I went with my friends Pete and Jacob to watch her descend on Fat Tuesday. We were a little sad. (sniff sniff).
Mooswief
Here is a picture of one Jacob's favorite souvenirs from Carnaval. Who says you can't turn a tambourine into a beer tray?
Pete & Jacob showing off their freaky colored contacts
This is how some small children experience Carnaval. Their parents build them a huge contraption (typically in the shape of a castle or pirate ship) and sit it on top of a wagon. This way they are 'protected' from the crowds of drunk people in the streets. These are the die hards. If it was me, I think I would prefer to get a babysitter. Not sure if three year old really cares about being covered head to toe in pink feathers and being stuck in a crowd full of drunk people.
Even crocodiles and parrots enjoy frites!
Someone told me that Monday and Tuesday is when all the drum corp groups come out and perform. This was my favorite group of the day. They're called Bateria Volle Petaj. We stopped and listened/danced to them for about a half hour. I love the contrast between the goth looking costumes and their energetic sound.
Once t' Mooswief is lowered to the ground at midnight on Tuesday, Carnaval is officially over. :( The bars start to close, crowds of people start making their way home, and Maastricht turns back into a pumpkin. Here is a clip of a 'funeral march' we saw on our way home. Everyone is sad to see it end, but there's always next year!
I have a new respect for Maastricht. People here really know how to live life. I see this in every day things like the city's café culture, friendly attitude, love of fashion and food, and the way they enjoy a good slice of vlaaiwithout guilt. But Carnaval is making me see more and more how this city is very unique from the rest of the Netherlands. I'm happy we live here and I'm looking forward to making Carnaval one of my new traditions. Alaaf!
