From St. Martin to carnival: 11 November is a holiday in the Netherlands
On 11 November, the Netherlands celebrates 2 special traditions. In the north and middle of the Netherlands, children celebrate Saint Martin, with lanterns and songs. In the south and east of the country, November 11 marks the start of the carnival season, a colourful celebration full of music and fun. In this article you can read how these feasts are celebrated.
The 11th of the 11th
On 11 November, people in the south and east of the Netherlands celebrate the "11th of the 11th." This is the start of the carnival season, but the real carnival does not come until February or March.
Carnival is a feast celebrated mainly in historically Catholic areas such as Limburg and North Brabant. Carnival announces the beginning of Lent. Although most people in the Netherlands no longer fast, they still celebrate this period with parades, floats and colourful costumes.
What happens on the 11th of the 11th?
Parties: Especially in Limburg and North Brabant, there are opening parties for the carnival season. Carnival associations are formed and there are many parties. People come together to dance and enjoy music. 11 is considered a "crazy" number and is therefore a day that fits well with the crazy nature of carnival.
Prince carnival is announced: Several municipalities elect their own prince carnival. Prince carnival leads the carnival. He often wears a colorful costume and plays an important role in parades and events.