WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND
Do you happen to know that song by Rebecca Black? No, you don't? Maybe it's better that way, because it's not much good, except that it captures the essence of today. It's called Friday. And guess what, that's today. Yes, did your heart skip a beat? Time for the weekend and if you have no idea what you're going to do, just read along.
Ci – ca – carnivaleee
There's a horse in the hallway, yes yes, a horse in the hallway. Oh oh, a horse in the hallway at neighbor Jansen's. There's a horse in the hallway, yes yes a horse in the hallway. Oh oh, a horse in the hallway, a horse and a tail. Yes... you didn't expect that, did you, that I could belt out that hit from André van Duin (say what). And I get it, because I can't do that either (thanks, songteksten.nl). I'm not a carnival-goer, never have been, and you need to have quite a bit going for you to get me to Oeteldonk this weekend. This weekend the festivity takes place again for which three-quarters of the southerners have been waiting for a year. To fully indulge in it over the coming days. It's carnival, after all. So make sure to head to a place below the rivers this weekend and success is guaranteed. Oh, and don't forget to dress up, okay? Are you still a carnival novice like me, then definitely read here all the ins and outs, then you won't make a fool of yourself for sure. As far as that's possible, and otherwise you can always say it's part of the act.
Randstaval
Randstaval isn't a word, is it? That's correct. But it is a trend, at least it's been going on for a number of years. I've just put a little label on it. Because that's what people like. What you should imagine? It's actually a combination of Randstad and carnival. 1+1 is three, right? Because you can't only find fun and entertainment down south this weekend, there are also carnival-themed parties taking place in the Randstad. Do you get it now, Randstaval? Maybe it needs a moment to sink in, but trust me, this is going to be a thing. Where can you go this weekend? The council of 11 is perhaps the most famous and takes place at the location of Thuishaven, after which you can immediately continue dancing to the Partycarnaval in the Sieraad to top it off with a Brazilian carnival in Claire Or you choose one of the three under the guise of quality versus quantity
What magpies have with shiny things, I have a bit with sales
Winival
Now that we're having such a good time ‘falling’, the Winival can't be missed this weekend. And no, this isn't the name of this festivity. Again a conglomeration (yes, I said it) of two words, namely: wine and festival. This weekend you can find 14 different grape varieties from 7 different countries on the pier in The Hague. So actually just a lot of different types of wine during the Grape-a-Licious Wine Festival. Shall we toast there? Then we can immediately take a ride on the Ferris wheel All the food is for you.
Stock Sale
What magpies have with shiny things, I have a bit with sales (and to be honest; actually also with shiny things). So when I heard about the Stock Sale from the Fashion Quarter in Arnhem I cleared my Saturday immediately. More than thirty local shops will open their doors and you can find pastries, coffee, design, and fashion there. Oh, and did I mention pastries? Tomorrow is another day, so hurry, you can then go straight to Knotsenburg (see point 1).
Musical afternoon
Is all that carnival too much for you? Then definitely pay a visit to the Conservatorium Hotel on Sunday. My tip is to register in advance. The ‘Expression of Art’ competition takes place there. Here, students from the Conservatorium in Amsterdam can win a cash prize of €5000. For several weeks in a row, they give concerts in the Symphony Room of the hotel, where the Conservatorium of Amsterdam used to be located (bet you didn't know that?). If you want to experience music in a different way than pounding in a nightclub, this is definitely worth it. You can register for a concert here.
So there's plenty to do this weekend, and for all carnival-goers (hey, Adeline): good luck. And for everyone: celebrate the weekend, and especially Friday.
Alaaf!
