Uncover the traditions and rituals
Dive into the history of Vasteloavend and discover that there is much more behind it than you ever imagined! Vasteloavend is so much more than the Raad van Elf and the Prins, the parade, the hats, the decorations and the magnificent costumes.
At the Vasteloavends Museum, you will journey through the history of this unique cultural heritage in all its forms. Naturally, Kerkrade takes centre stage, but many other towns and carnival associations are also represented.
Spread across several themed rooms, you can admire countless objects from the Netherlands and abroad. The collection includes costumes and artefacts from Limburg, Brabant, Belgium, Germany and even Australia and Curaçao.
Would you like to know why a goat is hoisted into the air on Carnival Tuesday in Schinveld? Or who the duo Oetgesjloape was? Why the Orde van de Sjwatse Kater is awarded in Kerkrade? Or why the German Rhineland celebrates with a Dreigestirn?
You'll find the answers to all these questions – and many more – during your visit to the Vasteloavends Museum. As you stroll past thousands of carnival objects, you'll discover that there is much more to Vasteloavend than you ever thought…
