For all the fun lovers among us: this is where you celebrate Carnival the best

And let's party! Yes, it's almost time again because carnival is coming. Every year it's a hassle deciding which outfit it will ultimately be. I always start with the most brilliant — if I may say so myself — ideas, but then end up with something cliché like a devil. Or a cat. Something like that. Totally lame. But well, not that anyone really pays attention to what you're wearing or how you look. Because it's incredibly busy and the vast majority has already had enough beer that they can't see clearly anymore. Problem solved. But then the next question: where should you celebrate carnival? I come from Amsterdam, so to say that I'm an expert... No. But I am a fan, so I went looking. Because you should experience carnival at least once in your life, right? And after that, you never want anything else. Read, think about your outfit, and go for it.

1. Bergen op Zoom
For several reasons, carnival here is amazing. Of course, first and foremost because our Adeline is there every year, but also because it lasts not four days but four weeks. Yes, that's right, I said weeks. How do you manage that? No idea, but it sounds like a great plan. And oh yes, carnival here is not called carnival but Vastenavend. Now you know that too. And one more thing: you don't have to think long about your outfit either. No devils or cats here, just something crazy. Fur coats (fake of course), scarves, cloths, a bit in that style. Hat on, bag around (knot at the front), nothing more to do. Saves you stress about that outfit. Bergen op Zoom, I already like you.

2. Maastricht

If you really love to go all out, then go to Maastricht. Everyone dresses up there. I once celebrated carnival here too, and I found it, despite the cold, a great success. A lot of parties are outside, and since I was dressed as a Hula girl (yes, that's a thing), I was a little bit cold. But after each drink, that cold became a bit less annoying, and I found the atmosphere really fun. Yes, those Limburgers know how to throw a party.

3. Tilburg

During carnival, this city is called the Kruikenstad, and especially on the eve of carnival, you want to be here. Everyone hops from pub to pub to have a drink everywhere. There are quite a few pubs there, so do the math... One lame bunch at the end, but very cozy. By the way, this pub crawl is called the Kroegendwèèltocht, and I'm still not quite sure how to pronounce that, but the concept really appeals to me.

4. Kronkeldörp

Excuse me? Yes, even in the far north they celebrate carnival. So do something crazy and go with a large group to Groningen, where the village of Kloosterburen just enjoys celebrating carnival. And then the name changes to Kronkeldörp. Honestly? No idea what to expect, but the idea of a Groningen village on stilts sounds really fun. And yes, you have to dress up here too. And yes, a lot of drinking happens here as well. Of course.

5. Sittard

For the biggest opening of carnival, you have to be here. On Saturday evening, about 15,000 people gather here every year during the Kanon van ’t Balkon (honestly, all those carnival names? Love it), and that's how carnival is kicked off. At 11 past 11, the mayor hands over the key to the city prince. Becoming a city prince during carnival? This is the new #lifegoals.