Event Details
Welcome to Maastricht Vastelaovend 2027
Maastricht Carnival, locally known as Vastelaovend, takes place in 2027 from Sunday 7 February to Tuesday 9 February. The centrepiece is the spectacular Boonte Störrem parade on Sunday at exactly 13:33, winding from the Wyck district across the Sint Servaasbrug bridge through the entire city centre to the Vrijthof. Alongside the parade, the Zaate Hermeniekes, traditional brass bands, roam the streets and turn the city a vibrant red, yellow and green. This guide covers everything you need to know for your visit.
Highlights
- The grand Boonte Störrem parade on Sunday 7 February at 13:33
- Street carnival on the Vrijthof, Markt and Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein
- Traditional Zaate Hermeniekes brass bands roaming the city centre
- Ceremonial Sleuteloverdracht (key handover) on Saturday 6 February at 15:11
- Presentation of the secretly chosen Prins Carnaval by De Tempeleers
- Youth parade Femilieoptoch on Tuesday 9 February at 14:22
- Three days of free-access street carnival throughout the Old Town
- Live broadcast of Boonte Störrem on RTV Maastricht from 14:00
Program
The celebrations begin on Saturday 6 February when the newly chosen city prince is received at the railway station at 13:11 and the ceremonial Machtsoverdracht (transfer of power) takes place at the town hall at 15:11. From that moment, the city belongs to Carnival.
On Sunday 7 February the great Boonte Störrem parade sets off at exactly 13:33. The route runs via Wijcker Brugstraat, Sint Servaasbrug, Kesselskade, Hoenderstraat, Markt and Helmstraat to the Vrijthof. Floats, Hermeniekes, carnival clubs and individuals in elaborate Pekskes (costumes) transform the city into a colourful spectacle. For those who cannot attend in person, RTV Maastricht broadcasts the parade live from 14:00.
On Monday 8 February and Tuesday 9 February the street carnival continues on the Vrijthof, the Markt and in the city's breweries and cafés. Tuesday also features the Femilieoptoch, the youth parade of Maastricht, at 14:22, before the festivities come to a traditional close. Ash Wednesday follows on 10 February 2027.
Admission and Tickets
Maastricht Carnival is a free street festival at its core. The Boonte Störrem parade and the entire street carnival on the Vrijthof, the Markt and surrounding squares are accessible without charge. Individual carnival society sittings, brewery events and private Carnival parties may require separate tickets.
Safety & Rules
- The city centre is car-free during Carnival. Traffic barriers close daily between 13:00 and 03:00.
- No wheelbarrows, sound wagons or large items are permitted in the city centre.
- The Vrijthof and surrounding streets are closed to traffic from Friday 5 February 17:00 until Wednesday 10 February 12:00.
- Covered bicycle parking at Kesselskade, Vrijthof and Markt will be closed during Carnival days.
- The Borrelbus night buses run from Saturday 6 February to Tuesday night between 00:35 and 03:35 from Boschstraat/Maagdendries (city ticket: €5, regional ticket: €7.50).
Visitor Tips
- Arrive by train or bus. Maastricht is well connected by rail and the city centre is largely closed to cars during Carnival.
- A full Pekske (costume) is very much expected. Maastricht Carnival is known for particularly elaborate and stylish outfits.
- Book accommodation several months in advance. Maastricht fills up completely during Carnival.
- Try traditional Carnival treats like Nonnevotten and Zweretege Vinger at local bakeries.
- If driving, use Park+Walk car parks on the outskirts (e.g. P Bonnefanten, P+R Station). The city centre is within 15 minutes on foot.
- Toilet facilities are available on the Vrijthof for €1 per visit or €5 for a day wristband.
- Pack warm layers: February in Maastricht is cold and often wet.
