February 22nd
Maastricht Calendar OK, officially the drill is you first go to church, attend Mass and receive a little cross of ashes on your forehead – it is the first day of Lent, the 40 day period of fasting and introspection preceding Easter.
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February 21st
Maastricht Calendar The day of the ‘Drunk Bands’, starting off at 11.45 hrs with a collective concert at their monument on the Vrijthof, followed by concerts all around the centre.
February 20th
Maastricht Calendar At 14.22 hrs the ‘Family Parade’ starts in Wyck, with the Prince first, so he can applaud all the children when they file past him on the Vrijthof. Again, happily disorderly, but enchantingly colourful. Evening – same recipe; drift about the centre, find the music you like, have a beer or not, watch the happy chaos.
February 19th
Maastricht Calendar The Prince opens Carnaval formally on Vrijthof at midday by shooting a tiny, very loud canon and raising a large wicker effigy of our Mooswief on a pole. From 13.25 hrs the ‘Great Parade’ winds it’s way through the city centre, a happy mess of loud music, great costumes, jokes and nonsense. Broadcast live by RTV Maastricht.
February 18th
Maastricht Calendar Today the city prince arrives by train, at 12.51 hrs, in his serious prince’s costume, to inspect his guard of Kachelpiepers at 13.45 hrs outside the station. In a festive procession all proceed to the Markt, where at 14.55 hrs the statue of Mooswief (photo) will receive her customary wreath of vegetables.
What about a walking tour?
You are new to Maastricht and want to discover this city? Or you have been in Maastricht for a while and want to explore more?
Up to Carnaval I
Maastricht Calendar
These are the days leading up to Carnaval, ‘vastelaovend’. Decorated facades in red, yellow and green can be seen in various places in the city.
January 6th
Maastricht Calendar
January 6th: Epiphany
6 januari: Driekoningen
6 jannewarie: Dreikeuninge
You may find singing children come to your door – they will be dressed as the three ‘kings’ 
and expect some sweets or fruit
.
January 1st
Maastricht Calendar
January first – start of a new year, another circle around the sun. Maybe this is why the Maastricht sweets for New Year are round; crispy, thin waffles, baked traditionally at home, in heavy cast iron. These days to be found at local bakers and supermarkets – enjoy!
The Relaunch of Meet Maastricht
Happy 2023 🎇
Happy we are relaunching Meet Maastricht🎊
Happy to meet you on our walks and rides💃🏻🕺🏻
Happy to tell tales in English, Nederlands and Mestreechs ✨
We are relaunching our full programme, online and off, to peruse, to listen to and to book on our revamped website.