The international’s guide to carnaval (part 1)

Say Tilburg, say carnaval! If you are an international student in The Netherlands, it is a tradition that might look strange at first. International student and travel blogger Dave Brett has celebrated the traditional Dutch party for two years now, and he wrote the ultimate guide to celebrating ‘Carnival’ in The Netherlands. During the countdown for carnaval 2015, we will publish it in parts. Today part one: What makes the Dutch Carnival so special?

Whilst on exchange at Tilburg University, I stumbled across a tradition that I never understood. I had never heard about this incredible celebration until I moved to The Netherlands and after two years of taking part, I can happily say its one of the craziest weeks I have ever experienced.

The Dutch in the South have grown up with being around carnaval all their life and embrace it without question each year. If you don’t get invited along with a group of Dutchies, you can easily be left out.
Not that it’s a hidden secret or anything, its just a way of life and the locals seem to miss the fact that internationals have completely no clue what’s going on. The internationals see it, they kind of get it, but never dare to get involved.

I remember when I asked a Dutch friend if I could join him to his local village to celebrate carnival. He was kind of surprised I wanted to join, thought it was an awesome idea, after a few phone calls I was in. We had an incredibly awesome time. Don’t be afraid to ask your Dutch friends if you can join them and see if they will be up for adopting you for one day, some will find it fun and be up for it indeed.

And a message to all the Dutchies, if you have a really fun international friend be sure to take them on board and introduce them to the carnaval way of life. Dutch carnaval can be confusing for international students on exchange in the South of the Netherlands. It’s up to you to make this week incredible, by stepping up, committing to the carnaval spirit and going all out. By wanting to make it the best carnival of your life you will easily find other Dutchies wanting to do the same.

You can decide to remain clueless and remain in your home city. But from the outside, you won’t “get it” or “understand it”- don’t be this person, jump in and embrace it! Follow these useful tips in the next posts, buy a costume, get ready for some beers and crazy Dutch music and prepare to travel around the South of The Netherlands and fully enjoy the crazy world that is the Dutch carnaval.

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