It’s Mardi Gras (Carnival) Time again!

It’s Carnival Time again!   And the southern portion of the Netherlands is in the Carnival spirit. The celebrations here are very similar to Mardi Gras, which is in full swing in Southern Louisiana.  The streets are filled with crowds in colorful costumes and there’s lots of drinking and general revelry.  The krewes, parades and music, though similar to the traditions of Louisiana Mardi Gras, have a distinctly Dutch style.  The parades, complete with floats and marching bands, take place in cities and towns throughout the region, though instead of beads and doubloons, the riders may throw candy and confetti.  The revelry, like that in Louisiana begins weeks in advance with parties and special events for the krewes, kicking into high gear on Saturday with citywide celebrations and parades, and ending on Mardi Gras night or vastelaovend, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.



2 Comments

  1. Dan

    Haha wouldn’t think of The Netherlands as a place Carnival would get poppin’ but looks like quite the contrary…

  2. Mikestravelguide

    We didn’t think so either, but we’re glad it is! As far as we know, it’s only in the southern region; lasting influence from the days of catholic rule in this part of the Netherlands.

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