~GUEST BLOGGER POST~
While planning for my most recent trip to the Netherlands, I discovered that one of my colleagues likes to spend his vacation in the southern region of this fair country during Carnaval. Having just spent my New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janerio, I found the Netherlands an “interesting choice” to celebrate such an event, but after hearing of his stories I wanted to invite him to share. Meet Mike and his cast of Communion Kids! Also, check out his personal blog: www.becomingmrmonopoly.com ~ Kimberly
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Netherlands is well known for its windmills, fields of tulips, and its cosmopolitan hub Amsterdam, but that’s just what gets popularized. Deep in the south sits the hill filled province of Limburg. One week a year Limburg reveals a true Dutch gem in the form of a celebration – Carnaval. This celebration, known for its flashy commemorations in Brazil and Italy, has a very different and distinct look in Limburg. At its core the Limburgish rendition is all about suspending social norms and role reversal. For four days normal life comes to a standstill and parades erupt throughout the streets.
When I mean erupt, I mean erupt. If you want to get something non-Carnaval related done in Limburg, forget it. 100% of the population comes pouring out imbibing in their poison of choice. The celebration is centered on tongue-in-cheek parades that feature troupes of people thematically dressed. Their costumes typically take jabs at some aspect of life and are complemented by massive floats that take months to build. Each village in Limburg has its own parade in conjunction with their own “Carnaval Prince” who goes around the town giving candy and buying shots for everyone. There is specific Limburg “Carnaval” music which amazingly has kept its polka roots but been able to integrate elements of the now popular electric dance music genre.
This year marked the second year I’ve attend the Carnaval celebration. One of my best friends is from Stein, Limburg so my girlfriend and I get VIP access to the celebration. In fact, we are active participators – We are members the Carnaval troupe Hauf Haane so we get to wear costumes and march in the parades. Last year we went as “Pearl Harbor” and this year we went as “Communion Kids” so you can see the satirical nature of the parade. I’m always blown away by how Dutch the celebration is. Carnaval has become commercialized in other regions in the world and a focus of tourism but In Limburg the celebration is still exclusively Dutch. I wouldn’t be surprised if we are the only Americans who participate. It makes it feel so much more genuine.
Amsterdam and tulips are great but nothing beats Carnaval. It’s a time of unending drinks, non-stop parties, and a celebration of Southern Dutch culture!!
Love it!!
That’s our Mike! 🙂