Carnivale: Where Anything Goes! 2/21-2/24

So, I guess I didn't know what to expect for Carnivale in Maastricht. Everyone described it as the Halloween of Catholic Europe. But, oh no! Multiply Halloween times ten and then add a keg of beer and then you get Carnivale!

Carnivale was originally celebrated as the last Hoorah before Lent (kind of like Mardi Gras). People sing, dance, and drink before they begin fasting. Well, the original purpose has been lost a little, and now Carnivale is just a huge 3-day party that is an excuse to paint your face, dress up in a crazy costume, and drink yourself silly.

We are lucky in Maastricht to even have a Carnivale celebration. Because we are in the state of Limberg (the only Catholic state - the rest of the Netherlands is Protestant), we get to celebrate, and all of the North comes down to celebrate with us!

I was unsure what I wanted to be for Carnivale, but after participating in the Hellman's Honey Mustard commercial in Barcelona and getting a free bee costume, I knew that I should be a bumble bee. Granted a trash bag with yellow tape on it isn't the most classy, but it was FREE! And I stayed dry when it rained…haha!

So Carnivale officially starts Sunday before Ash Wednesday, but the students of Maastricht like to start on Friday (of course). My study group had just received some fresh imported solo cups, so we began our Carnivale celebration with a good old American tradition…Beer Pong! I was a little rusty because it had been awhile, but I think my partner and I made it to the third round.

So on the first day of official Carnivale (Sunday), we got all dressed up and ventured out to the Vrijthof to see the parade. It was crazy! The parade consists of groups of friends and family that make a float (a float can be a cart that is decorated to theme with a stereo system and a keg…of course) and all dress in the same quilted Venetian costumes. Everyone is clearly buzzed and happy. The Prince of Carnivale comes on his float (a grandstand) with his men (the Momus Society) singing the Carnivale song over and over again….it's really funny!

We stayed around and watched the parade (the men and women in pink fairy costumes pulling irons behind them) and then took a break back at the Guesthouse to rest up for the night. We went back to Vrijthof at night to party…the square was full and everybody was really happy*. You basically buy or bring drinks and drink and dance and sing to the terrible Dutch music…amazing.

All in all, Carnivale was a great time and a lot of fun! It was cut short by my trip to Italy, but I still had a great time!

Miss you all! Tot ziens!

Betsy