Carnaval 2026 in Maastricht

Transport and accessibility

Crowd levels

Some streets can become extremely busy during carnaval. At peak times, this can pose safety risks. We monitor crowd levels using cameras and screens and intervene where necessary.

Road closures for cars

Temporary roadblocks will be put in place in various streets in the city centre. These measures are intended to keep car traffic to an absolute minimum during carnaval, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities as safely as possible.

Road closures will be in effect on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday between 13.00 and 03.00, or earlier if crowd levels require it. Some streets may also be closed on Friday, depending on how busy the city is that day. Emergency services will always be able to access closed areas if needed.

Plan your visit

When do the parades take place? Are shops open? Where can you park your bike or car? Where do the shuttle buses stop? You’ll find all practical information on Maastricht Bereikbaar.

Visit the Maastricht Bereikbaar website

Additional taxi ranks

• Maasboulevard (near the coach parking area by Stadspark)
• Statenstraat
• Boschstraat (near Sint-Matthiaskerk)

Additional bicycle parking

•  At Q-Park O. L. Vrouweparking
• Mosae Forum
• Keizer Karelplein

Reusable cups (hard cups)

As in previous years, reusable hard plastic cups will mandatory in Maastricht’s bars and cafés. Each venue provides its own cup, featuring a unique artistic design. The cup costs €1 and can be reused throughout the celebrations. Finished celebrating? You can return the cup to a bar or café, or take it home to reuse – or keep it as a souvenir of carnaval 2026.

Glass ban in the city centre

A glass ban applies in the city centre during carnaval. Please leave glass at home and do not bring glassware or glass bottles into the city centre. This helps prevent accidents and broken glass on the streets.

By respecting this rule together, we keep the streets clean and make sure everyone can enjoy Mestreechter Vastelaovend safely.

Floats and carts

Street carnival in Maastricht also includes floats and carts brought in by groups of revellers. These add to the atmosphere, but they also take up a lot of space in an already busy city centre and can sometimes cause noise disturbance. That’s why we make arrangements with float operators. For larger carts, we indicate where they may be stationed, helping to spread them out across the city.

If you plan to bring a cart, please register no later than Sunday 18 January. You can do this by completing the registration form and emailing it to evenementen [at] maastricht.nl. This allows us to look together for a suitable location. You can indicate your preferred spot in the form.

Registration is required for:

• Carts with sound systems, and
• Carts measuring between 4 and 15 square metres.

Carts larger than 15 square metres are not allowed in the city centre, except as part of the official parade. Want to take part in the parade? Please attend one of De Tempeleers’ registration evenings.

There is a limited number of available locations, and applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all spots are taken, registration will close. The municipality decides where each cart may be placed. We also ask float operators to remain easily reachable during carnaval in case of unexpected situations.

Streets where carts are not allowed

In parts of the city centre, carts are not permitted because these areas become too crowded. These streets are shown on the map below. To keep walkways clear and the festivities enjoyable for everyone, we ask visitors not to bring large items such as carts, trolleys, prams, sound systems, bicycles or parasols into these areas.

Noise levels

Agreements have been made with hospitality businesses and float operators regarding noise. Directional speakers help reduce disturbance. It’s important that everyone sticks to these arrangements so carnaval remains enjoyable for all.

Toilets

Extra public toilets will be installed where possible. We have also made arrangements with bars and cafés that are open, allowing visitors to use their toilet facilities.

First aid (EHBO)

If you need medical assistance during carnaval, you can visit the first-aid post at De Hoofdwacht on Vrijthof.

Municipal offices closed

During the carnaval period, the Municipality of Maastricht will be closed. The Municipal Service Desk (GemeenteLoket) closes on 13 February 2026 at 15.00, and remains closed on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February 2026.

Waste during carnaval

Household waste

No household waste will be collected anywhere in Maastricht during carnaval. Check the MilieuApp or your waste collection calendar to see when collections resume.

Business waste

Please place your business waste out for collection on the day your waste contractor collects it. Be aware that collection days may differ during carnaval. Do not put waste out too early – this helps keep the city centre clean and tidy.

The history of carnaval

Carnaval in Maastricht likely dates back to the early Middle Ages. In 1839, it was first celebrated in an organised way by the city’s wealthier residents with the founding of Sociëteit Momus. Alongside these organised festivities, carnaval was already being celebrated by the wider population in the streets and cafés.

After the Second World War, these 2 traditions came together, largely thanks to the founding of De Tempeleers, Maastricht’s carnaval association. While continuing the traditions of Sociëteit Momus, De Tempeleers added their own approach, organising activities for people of all backgrounds and ages. This is how Mestreechter Vastelaovend became a celebration for everyone.

Today, carnaval is an essential part of Maastricht’s cultural heritage. People celebrate it in many different ways – organised or spontaneous – often following traditions that have existed for centuries. Want to learn more? Visit the website of De Tempeleers or the carnaval page on Visit Maastricht.