If you enjoy dancing, singing, drinking and laughing then you should be joining in the carnival mayhem of Maastricht! One of the largest carnivals in Europe, it transforms Southern Holland for three days and three nights into one big party. Watch and listen to the ‘firing of the cannon’ on the ‘Vrijthof’, the famous square in the middle of the town and then watch in amazement the grand procession that every year beats any expectation. After the procession become immersed in 72 hours of pure fun! Everyone who is anyone will be in costume; whether you are a princess or a gypsy, a clown or a vicar, a pirate or a fairy, you are who you are and accepted you will be. Maastricht carnival is the one place you can’t help but let yourself go. Dance with strangers in the streets, on the tables, in the inns – in fact the only thing that hasn’t been emptied for the occasion are the beer taps! Become absorbed in the most colourful event you will ever encounter as you sing with people from all over the world and move from one bar to another where it is raining kisses and greetings of all kinds. You will stay in a centrally located hotel although sleeping is the last thing you will want to do, most people will only stop to eat when they remember they have missed a meal amidst all the masquerades. Booking early is vital for this event as accommodation in Maastricht is limited, many hotels close as no one wants to miss the event of the year.