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4 Things to know if you go to Brabant for carnival

By Keesje Avezaat | #!28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:000928#28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:00-5Europe/Amsterdam2828Europe/Amsterdam202628 13am28am-28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:005Europe/Amsterdam2828Europe/Amsterdam2026282026Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100005002amFriday=9#!28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam2#02-13-2026#!28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:000928#/28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:00-5Europe/Amsterdam2828Europe/Amsterdam202628#!28Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0100+01:00Europe/Amsterdam2#

Carnival has been a hot topic in Brabant for weeks. Only above the rivers? Well, they say they don't get excited about it. But, I believe you, deep down every Northerner has a bit of FOMO for carnival. Many Northerners think that carnival is just a party for kids, but oh dear, believe me, that's really not the case. If you are the one going to party in Brabant for the first time (in a long time) in February, I have 4 things you need to watch out for. So, before you dive into the trains or stuff your car full, you really need to take these points into consideration.

Make sure to wear the right outfit

Are you going to Den Bosch? Then you'd better not show up in a Mega Mindy costume, believe me, they really won't let you in. Everyone there wears a jacket with emblems and a farmer's smock. Do your research on what to wear first, as it can vary quite a bit per city or village. And when you finally have an original outfit in mind, it's time to think about the weather. Is your outfit carnival-proof? It can be cold, warm, wet, or dry. Whether you're walking around in a pig costume or have pulled a unicorn outfit out of the closet, you always need to be prepared for the Brabant weather. So wear enough layers, but leave your umbrella at home.

Time doesn't exist

Dear Northerner, be aware that time is a vague term here during carnival. Morning? What is that? Dinner? That can also just be at half past 10 in the evening. Here, partying goes on from early morning until late at night, and believe me, the city is busy all day long. Think twice if you thought you could come by car and park in the center. Want to grab a coffee somewhere while feeling hungover? No problem, you're welcome everywhere, but be prepared for a brass band that is already parading through the city at 9 o'clock in the morning.

Friends? You have hundreds of them

Even if you don't know anyone, carnival in Brabant is always fun. No one will make you feel alone here. Be open to new friends, because within a few hours you'll have dozens of them. Everyone here is your friend, from complete strangers on the street to the guy behind the snack bar (where you actually order fries, not patat).

They take carnival seriously... very seriously

And then we come to the most important thing: the Brabander takes carnival really seriously. Not just drinking a bit of beer and partying. No, southerners have been preparing for months in advance, for example, a costume, carnival float, or choosing a Prince and the council of eleven. Oh, and learn the latest carnival hits by heart, you'll have time for that on the train. And maybe you can avoid all the words with a G.

If you have these 4 in your back pocket, carnival in Brabant can begin and won't go wrong. Believe me, you are more than welcome. The only thing you need to do is enjoy.