Event Details
Welcome to Maastricht Carnival 2027
Maastricht Carnival 2027, locally known as Vastelaovend in Mestreech, takes place from Sunday 7 February to Tuesday 9 February 2027. Traditional festivities begin already on Thursday 4 February 2027 with the official Limburg opening. The beating heart of the celebration is Vrijthof Square and the Markt, where for three days brass bands, spectacular parades and spontaneous street parties transform the entire city centre into a sea of red, yellow and green.
What is Vastelaovend?
Maastricht Carnival is a unique blend of Rhenish and Burgundian Carnival traditions with distinctly local elements. Unlike Cologne or Düsseldorf, Maastricht celebrates primarily outdoors: spontaneous music, bar-hopping and the characteristic Zate Hermeniekes (Limburg-style brass bands) fill every corner of the city. The first written mention of Maastricht Carnival dates back to 1405. Today the festival draws visitors from across Limburg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Highlights
- Thursday 4 February 2027: Limburg start of the season; proclamation of Carnival Princes across the region
- Saturday 6 February 2027: Key ceremony at 15:11 when the mayor hands the city key to Prince Carnival; opening parade through the city centre
- Sunday 7 February 2027: Official opening at 11:11 AM on Vrijthof with the Momus cannon; raising of the Mooswief symbol; Boonte Störrem grand parade starting at 13:33
- Monday 8 February 2027: Family Day with family parade from 14:22; Zate Hermeniekes concours parade from 14:11; children's costume competition from 14:33 at Sterzaal
- Tuesday 9 February 2027: Zate Hermeniekesconcours brass band competition on Vrijthof; closing ceremony at midnight with the lowering of the Mooswief
- Every evening from 20:33: Cramignon dance on the Markt
The Boonte Störrem: The Grand Parade
The Boonte Störrem (Grand Parade) on Carnival Sunday is the absolute centrepiece of Maastricht Carnival. The parade starts at Maastricht Central Station, crosses the Sint-Servaasbrug through the Wyck district and continues into the historic city centre. Participating clubs, groups of friends and associations present elaborate costumes, decorated floats and creative performances. Brass bands accompany the entire route, ensuring non-stop festive atmosphere.
Vastelaovend Traditions
Maastricht Carnival has its own symbols and customs. The Mooswief is the patroness of the Vastelaovend: a market woman with a basket of vegetables who is hoisted on a high pole at Vrijthof on Carnival Sunday and lowered again only at midnight on Tuesday, marking the official end of Carnival. The Zate Hermeniekes are Limburg's typical brass bands that do not play on fixed stages but move spontaneously through the streets and cafés, drawing in crowds as they go. Each evening from 20:33, the Cramignon dance on the Markt invites everyone to join hands in a communal line dance through the square. The traditional costume is called a Pekske; Maastricht people take great pride in carefully crafted, complete costumes and accompanying acts.
Local Specialities
Maastricht Carnival comes with its own culinary traditions. Nonnevotten (deep-fried dough balls) are the most iconic sweet treat of the season. Other favourites include Zweretege Vinger and Berlinerbol doughnuts. For something savoury, the traditional Zoervleisj met Friet (Limburg-style sour beef stew with chips) is served in most pubs. Beer is served in reusable hard plastic cups at €1 deposit, accepted at all participating cafés throughout the city.
Getting There & Parking
Arriving by train or bus is strongly recommended during Vastelaovend, as Vrijthof and surrounding streets are closed to traffic from Friday. Drivers can use Park and Walk facilities on the city outskirts such as P Bonnefanten or P+R Maastricht Noord and walk to Vrijthof in around 15 minutes. From Friday to Tuesday night, special Borrelbusse (late-night safety buses) run to city districts and surrounding villages. City ticket: €5 per person; regional ticket: €7.50 per person.
Visitor Tips
- A Pekske (costume) is not compulsory but is warmly encouraged and central to the Maastricht Carnival spirit.
- The Calamity Management Team (CMT) at Theater aan het Vrijthof is the main safety coordination point throughout the festival.
- Extra public toilets are available at Vrijthof, Markt and Onze Lieve Vrouweplein; a day wristband costs €5.
- Maastricht keeps its own name during Carnival; unlike other Dutch cities, it does not adopt a Carnival alias.
- Book accommodation in Maastricht and the surrounding area several months in advance.
- Glass containers are prohibited on all outdoor areas of the city centre.
