Carnaval 2025 in Maastricht
No celebration in Maastricht is as vibrant and wide-ranging as 'carnaval' (Dutch carnival) – or 'Mestreechter Vastelaovend' as it’s known locally. It’s the biggest folk festival in the city, with revellers enjoying 3, sometimes even 5 days of fun. Our street carnival is the pride and joy of the 'Vastelaovend'. This year, as in previous years, the municipality of Maastricht is introducing several measures to keep everyone safe and ensure a great time.
Wondering when the parades are taking place? Not sure if shops will be open? Looking for the best spot to park your bike or car? Or where the borrelbussen (festive shuttle buses) stop? You’ll find all the details at Maastricht Bereikbaar.
Visit the Maastricht Bereikbaar website
Keeping crowds under control
Certain streets can become extremely crowded at peak times. Therefore, from Sunday to Tuesday, Platielstraat will only be accessible from Vrijthof. Access from Sint Amorsplein will no longer be possible. This one-way system helps avoid bottlenecks and allows emergency services (fire brigade, police, ambulance) easier access. LED screens and security personnel will be on hand to ensure everyone follows these rules.
We ask everyone to play their part by respecting the rules. If an area is too busy, please choose a different route or find another spot to celebrate. This way, we can all help keep Vastelaovend open and welcoming. Let’s work together so we don’t have to close off areas or put up barriers.
Reusable hard cups: sustainable and unique
Starting this year, hard plastic cups will be mandatory at Maastricht’s hospitality venues. Local businesses will offer their own versions featuring creative designs. Each cup costs €1, which you can reuse throughout the celebrations. When you’re done, you can take it home as a fun souvenir from carnaval (carnival) 2025.
Carts or floats
At the Maastricht street carnival, “kartrekkers” are part of the fun – people who bring a cart or small float to celebrate in the city. While they add to the festive atmosphere, they do take up a lot of space in an already busy city centre and can sometimes produce very loud noise. That’s why we have made clear arrangements with those who bring carts. For larger floats and carts, we will assign specific spots across the city to help spread them out.
Any cart with a sound system must be registered with the municipality. Carts without a sound system that measure between 4 metres and 15 square metres must also be registered. Carts larger than 15 square metres cannot enter the city, unless they are part of the official parade.
When registering a cart of 4 to 15 square metres, you’ll need to indicate where you’d prefer to put it. We’ll also ask for contact details in case of emergencies. Once registered, owners can pick up a gooj kaar (good cart) placard at the public desk at Mosae Forum 10.
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You don’t need to register. However, please follow the rules for carnival carts and floats explained further down this page. Would you like us to email you with any updates about cart policies? Let us know via evenementen [at] maastricht.nl.
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Please register your cart by 31 January 2025. Complete the form and email it to evenementen [at] maastricht.nl.
Streets where carts are not allowed
To prevent overcrowding in the city centre, some streets are off-limits to carts. These are shown in red on the map below.
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- East Vrijthof (square side accessible)
- Platielstraat
- Sint Amorsplein
- Achter het Vleeshuis
- Leliestraat
- Sporenstraat
- Vijfharingenstraat
- Heggenstraat
- Minckeleerstraat
- Wolfstraat
- Kersenmarkt
- Havenstraat
- Plankstraat
- Stokstraat
- Koestraat
- Cortenstraat
- Kattenstraat
- Stenenbrug
- Square at Sint Pieterstraat/Stenenbrug
- Mosae Forum
Noise regulations
We’ve also reached an agreement with local hospitality businesses to help reduce noise disruption. Directional speakers will be used, and there will be stricter enforcement of the noise rules. It’s important that everyone respects these regulations so carnaval (carnival) remains enjoyable for all.
Toilets, taxis, and bicycles
Additional plans for carnaval in 2025 include:
- Some public toilets on Vrijthof will be connected directly to the sewer system and placed more conveniently.
- An extra taxi rank will operate on the Maasboulevard and Sint Maartenslaan.
- Any bicycles parked incorrectly will be removed before carnaval to keep escape routes clear.
Waste collection during carnaval
Households: residual waste and green bin
There will be no evening collection of residual waste or the green bin on Tuesday 4 March during carnaval (carnival). Instead, collections will take place on Wednesday evening, 5 March. Please put out your residual waste and green bin only on Wednesday. For more information on waste collection, please check the MilieuApp.
Business waste
Please place your business waste out for collection on the day your waste carrier is scheduled to collect it. Note that these collection days may differ during carnaval. Avoid putting your waste out too early to help keep the city centre tidy.
The history of carnaval
It’s thought that carnaval (carnival) in Maastricht first began in the early Middle Ages. In 1839, it was officially celebrated by the city’s well-to-do, following the founding of Sociëteit Momus. Meanwhile, the general public was already celebrating in the streets and pubs in their own way.
After the Second World War, these two traditions merged, thanks in large part to De Tempeleers, the Maastricht carnaval association. They kept some of the old Sociëteit Momus customs, adding a unique twist and organising events for rich and poor, young and old. This helped Mestreechter Vastelaovend grow into a festival that truly welcomes everyone.
Today, carnaval remains a key part of Maastricht’s local culture. People celebrate in their own style—some more organised, others less so—yet many follow customs that date back centuries. Curious to learn more? Have a look at the the Visit Maastricht carnaval page.