De gemeente Den Bosch en De Oeteldonksche Club willen af van de ‘festivalsfeer’ die de laatste jaren tijdens carnaval in Oeteldonk is ontstaan. Carnaval moet weer het traditionele volksfeest van saamhorigheid worden. “Als Prins Amadeiro après-ski muziek had willen horen, was hij wel gaan skiën”, benadrukt de Minister-President van De Oeteldonksche Club.
“We hebben na corona gezien dat carnaval meer een festival is geworden en daar willen we vanaf”, zegt burgemeester Mikkers van Den Bosch. De gemeente en de Bossche carnavalsvereniging zien dat het de laatste jaren tijdens carnaval steeds drukker wordt in de stad.
Afgelopen carnaval was het op momenten zo druk dat de gemeente al vroeg in de middag mensen opriep niet meer naar de binnenstad te komen, verschillende gebieden werden afgesloten. Door nu duidelijk te maken waar carnaval in Oeteldonk echt voor staat, hoopt de gemeente dat bezoekers die op zoek zijn naar een ‘gewoon feestje’ de stad links laten liggen.
Tal van invloeden sluipen stad binnen
Jeroen Dona,minister-President van De Oeteldonksche Club,ziet tal van invloeden die in zijn ogen te ver van het traditionele carnaval af staan de stad binnensluipen: “We willen de festivalisering van carnaval tegen gaan. Het is een volksfeest, dat je op straat viert met Oeteldonkse muziek. Als we allemaal die kiel aan doen, zijn we allemaal gelijk.”
Carnavalsvierders blijven volgens hem en Mikkers meer dan welkom in de stad,mits ze zich aan de geldende carnavalsregels van Oeteldonk houden. “Als je naar iets anders op zoek bent, kun je
Oeteldonk Carnival to Shift focus Away From Large-Scale Festival Elements
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This report details planned changes to the Oeteldonk carnival in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, as of January 29, 2026, focusing on a return to traditional elements and a reduction in large-scale festival-style attractions.
‘s-Hertogenbosch Carnival (Oeteldonk) Overview
The Oeteldonk carnival is a traditional festivity held annually in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, characterized by its unique customs, including the role of Prince Amadeiro and the “clubkes” (local carnival groups). It is indeed a notable cultural event for the city and surrounding region.
Changes to Carnival Activities
The municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and De Oeteldonksche Club are planning to reduce the number of large-scale carnival activities,particularly those resembling festivals.
The aim is to prioritize traditional elements of the carnival, such as the participation of local “clubkes” and a more authentic “Oeteldonkse” atmosphere on the streets. According to reports, the organizers want to move away from events that attract a broader, non-traditional carnival audience.
As of January 29, 2026, no official documentation detailing the specific activities being removed has been publicly released beyond the general intention to reduce festival-style events. Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch is the official source for updates on municipal events.
Revisions to the Markt Stage
The large stage erected on the Markt (market square) during the carnival is also slated for changes.
Currently, the stage hosts a variety of artists and attracts a large audience. The proposed revisions aim to reduce the stage’s size and prioritize space for the “Oeteldonkse clubkes” to perform and interact with the public. The goal is to create a less enclosed atmosphere, reducing the use of fencing around the stage area.
According to a statement from the municipality and De Oeteldonksche Club, the changes are intended to foster a more authentic Oeteldonk experience. de Oeteldonksche Club provides information on the history and traditions of Oeteldonk.
emphasis on Traditional Carnival culture
Organizers are explicitly aiming to emphasize the traditional “boeren” (farmers) and “durskes” (young women) aspects of the carnival.
Prins Amadeiro, the symbolic ruler of Oeteldonk during the carnival, is quoted as stating that if he desired après-ski music, he would have gone skiing. This sentiment reflects a desire to distance the carnival from contemporary music genres like après-ski, house, and festival music. Mikkers, a prominent figure associated with the carnival, echoed this view, stating that individuals seeking such music are not in the right place during Oeteldonk.
This focus on tradition aligns with the historical roots of the Oeteldonk carnival, which originated as a peasant celebration. Brabant Remt provides historical context on the Oeteldonk carnival.
Disclaimer: Information is based on reports as of January 29, 2026. Further details and official announcements are expected from the Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch and De Oeteldonksche Club.
