The first feature of the carnaval of Den Bosch is that the name of the city, s´-Hertogenbosch, is converted into Oeteldonk. The origin of this name is still not known, but the most used and known version is that it is composed by two words: Oetel should mean frog, since they are the animals that you could find in the marshes around the city and Donk, as “high dry spot in the swamps”. Here you can see how even the station becomes “Oeteldonk Centraal”.
For this reason, the typical Oeteldonkse costume is filled with frogs of any form and size, together with the scarf of the carnival whose colors represent the ones of the church (white and yellow) and the ones of Northern Brabant (Noord Brabant) flag (red and white).
Every year the carnival has a specific theme and a specific symbol (embleem). The Oeteldonkers in fact have in their costumes several emblems. The tradition started in 1962 and there is an yearly competition and consequentely an award for it.
The most common costume is the one of the “farmer”keel , boerenkiel, as you can see above. You can also wear a black farmer´s cap. Most of the people wear this costume and in some bars/ cafes in order to enter it is compulsory to dress Oeteldonkse costumes.
There are also other costumes but I will tell more about them in another post.
The song
In November, the main song of the carnival is chosen and it sums up to the wide Carnival songs playlist. The selection of the song together with the bands “audition” through the streets lasts all day long. Especially one week later, it is a cracking experience to see the bands playing live inside the bars.
The feast
Even if it is not officially started on Saturday, we started to celebrate it on Saturday. You can experience and see the music bands playing on the streets, whereas, hour by hour, the streets start to become crowded and crowded, as well as the bars.
The feast officially starts on Sunday at 11.11 am, when the Prince of the Carnival, Prins Amadeiro (Prins Amadeiro Ricosto di Carnavallo, Ridder van het Reksam, Heer en Meester van Oeteldonk en deszelfs omliggende watervrije moerassen en zandwoestijnen enz, enz, enz.), gets to the station of Oeteldonk Centraal.
The Prince starts a parade that ends at the Town Hall: this parade lasts approximately 1,5-2 hours. Later, another important moment is for sure the unveiling of Boer Knillis at 3-3.30 pm in the Markt.
He is symbol of authority and his “task” is to keep an eye on the proceedings and celebrations. Apparently every 5 years he is joined by his wife, Moeder Hendrien, but I still have not seen her.
After the unveiling, the city becomes an incredible happy and colourful chaos and you can join it by singing and dancing the typical Oeteldonk music, together with liters of beer and also the local specialty, the brandewijn.
The bars can be overcrowded so be patient and you will have your chance to get into them and do not also forget to dress Oeteldonk to get into them.
On Monday, there is the Grand Parade of decorated wagons that cross the entire city making noise and followed by the bands playing the Carnival songs and of course people dancing, singing and drinking.
Tuesday is the final day of the Carnaval of Den Bosch. At 10 am the day starts with the parade of children and the best costume is awarded.
However, the most emotional moment is for sure at midnight, when everyone gathers in the Markt ( from 10.000 to 15.000 people) to watch the taking down of Boer Knillis, who is buried and taken out. This is a very intense moment, when all the people cry the end of the carnival out.
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| Source: http://www.bosscheomroep.nl |
- Dress Oeteldonk: in some bars they do not let in if your dress is different;
- If you want to get to exclusive sites, you can buy the Oeteldonk Club Card: for 17 Euros you can enter close to the house of the Prince (Amadeirohuis) and get close to the Amadeiro Parade, especially close at the opening ceremony (the arrival of the Prince) and other sites. The card also helps you to enter faster into the bars/cafes.
- s’-Hertogenbosch does not have a huge number of hotels / bed n breakfasts or airbnb apartments: so it is recommended to book at least 2 or 3 months in advance.
- Particularly recommended the arrival of the Prince at the station, of unveiling of Boer Knillis, the taking down of Boer Knillis but most of all enjoy this fantastic party with friendly and party locals.
- The best way to reach the city during Carnival is for sure by train.
- Do not miss to visit the beautiful cathedral of the city. The city can be easily visited in less than one day or even in half day.
- Discover the other major carnival in the Netherlands: the Maastricht one. If you want to know and read about other major carnivals in Europe, please do not miss the Carnival of Venice.
- Budget accomodation: Little Duke Hotel, located at only 500 meters from the central station, Rooms have bigger beds, Netflix and private bathroom. Prices from 156 Euros per double room per night.
- Mid-range accomodation: Golden Tulip Hotel Central, located in the Markt. Ideal for couples, private bathroom and many other facilities. Prices from 211 Euros per night per double room.
- Luxury accomodation: City Boutique Apartment, really close to the cathedral, is a wide apartment with many facilities, apartments for 2 to 4 people, prices from 295 Euros per double room per night. Particularly suitable for two people.
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Thank you very much for the info. Do you know if there is any special celebration event during the weeks before Carnival?
Excellent blog
I would suggest you to go every weekend before Carnival to enjoy live music in the bars. Atmosphere is great!