Celebrate Carnival 2025 in South Limburg

Why carnival in South Limburg is unmissable

Carnival is a centuries-old tradition in Limburg, celebrated with enthusiasm and creativity. It features:

• The Carnival Prince: announced with great fanfare, he and the Council of Eleven symbolically lead the festivities.
• Magnificent parades: expect floats, dance groups, and costumes filled with humor and artistic flair.
• Limburg carnival songs: sung in the local dialect, these songs bring everyone together in a festive atmosphere.

Here’s your guide to the best carnival experiences in Roermond, Thorn, Maastricht, and beyond!

Carnival in Roermond: a vibrant mix of parades and festivities

Roermond, situated on the Meuse River, becomes a carnival hotspot, buzzing with energy and excitement.

Highlights in Roermond

• The Sjtasiefestasie: Roermond’s central train station is the perfect gathering point for carnival-goers heading to parades.
• High-class parades: Roermond hosts some of the grandest parades in the region, featuring impressive floats and witty commentary on current events.
• Local food and drinks: step into a cozy pub and enjoy the authentic Limburg hospitality, complete with carnival songs and traditional delicacies.

Carnival in Thorn: intimate charm in the white village

The picturesque village of Thorn, famous for its historic white houses, offers an intimate and traditional carnival experience.

What makes Thorn special

• Charming parade: the narrow, cobblestone streets of Thorn provide a quaint and unique backdrop for its parade.
• Close-knit community: the warmth and hospitality of Thorn’s residents make visitors feel like part of the family.
• Traditional music: small carnival bands, or zate hermeniekes, perform festive Limburg songs in local pubs.

Carnival in Maastricht and Sittard

No South Limburg carnival experience is complete without visiting the region’s iconic cities.

• Maastricht: known for elegance and creativity, Maastricht’s Groete Optoch (Grand Parade) is a must-see. The Vrijthof square serves as the vibrant heart of the celebrations.
• Sittard: a quintessential carnival city with a deep history and impressive parades.

Tips for visiting South Limburg during Carnival

1. Plan your route: combine larger cities like Maastricht and Roermond with smaller, charming towns like Thorn for a varied experience.
2. Dress the part: join the fun by wearing extravagant and colorful costumes - locals love it!
3. Taste local delicacies: don’t miss Limburg vlaai (a delicious pie), fries, or a sjoeske (a mix of beer and dark lager).
4. Learn local phrases: Saying “Alaaf!” (the carnival greeting) and “Vasteloavend” (carnival) will earn you warm smiles.

Carnival 2025 dates

Mark your calendars for this year’s festivities:

General Carnival days: Sunday, March the 2nd; Monday, March the 3rd, and Tuesday, March the 4th, 2025.

• Carnival parade Roermond: the carnival in Roermond kicks off on 28.02.2025, with various events throughout the city, while the big carnival procession will be held on 03.03.2025 in downtown Roermond
• Carnival parade Maastricht: 02.03.2024, 13:33
• Carnival parade Ittervoort: 02.03.2024, 14:11
• Carnival parade Heel: 02.03.2024, 14:11
• Carnival parade Sittard: 02.03.2024, 13:11
• Carnival parade Thorn: 03.03.2025, 14:11
• Carnival parade Venlo: 03.03.2025, 13:00

Carnival is one of the busiest times of the year, and accommodations fill up quickly. Secure your villa at Parc Maasresidence Thorn now to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay during this festive season.

Whether you’re drawn to the grand parades of Roermond, the intimate charm of Thorn, or the lively atmosphere of Maastricht, the carnival season in South Limburg is an unforgettable experience. Celebrate alongside the locals, enjoy their traditions, and immerse yourself in the joy that defines Vasteloavend. Dust off your wildest costume, sing along to Limburg carnival songs, and make memories at the biggest folk festival of the year!