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Carnival Breda (Kielegat), Netherlands

La ceremonia inicial de Tilburgo comprende la entrega de la llave de la ciudad al Príncipe del Carnaval
Tilburg Carnival (Kruikestad), Netherlands
Durante las fiestas de Bolduque la gente usa una combinación de rojo amarillo y blanco
‘s-Hertogenbosch Carnival (Oeteldonk), Netherlands

 

What is the Carnival of Breda?

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The carnival in Breda or Kielegat, as it is recognized during the festival, is a celebration that the city of Breda holds every year. The carnivals last for 5 days and during this time the celebration takes place in the streets, bars, banquet halls and cafes of the city..

The streets of Breda are decorated with the traditional colors of the carnival, in the case of this city are red and orange. As in many other celebrations in the southern Netherlands the mayor presents the key of the city to the PrinceCarnival, this being an opening ceremony of the festivities. One of the most characteristic events of the festivities is the main parade, featuring impressive floats, dancers, comparsitas and the bandas musicales. The Prince of Carnival has control of the city from the moment he is given the keys until the moment he returns them.



People in the city dress up in the costume of their choice, or wearing the traditional colors of the city of Breda. At the end of the main parade there are prizes for the prettiest float or the best grouping. The Breda carnival is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the city.

 

The handing over of the key to the city is the opening ceremony of the Breda carnivals

The handing over of the key to the city is the opening ceremony of the Breda carnivals

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When is the Carnival of Breda[/h2>?

Ethe Breda carnival will take place from approximately February 13 until February 16.

 

 

History of the Breda Carnivals

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Carnivals in the Netherlands as in many regions of the world, were celebrated as the last opportunity people had to eat as much as they wanted before fasting. Likewise, the carnival functioned as a celebration to chase away the winter spirits and end the bad weather. Carnival celebrations evolved and integrated with Catholic practices.



The earliest known record of the Breda carnival was in 1707 and is one of the oldest known records or reports. The carnival in Breda was known for 3 centuries simply as the Breda carnival, it did not acquire a new name like the rest of the southern cities. It was from 1950 onwards that activities such as the naming of the Prince of Carnival began to be spotted.

Records of the change of the city’s name date back to 1971 when it began to be known as Kielegat. The tradition began to adapt and acquire the different elements that make up the Breda Carnival today.

 

Where is the Breda Carnival

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The Breda Carnival is held in the city of Breda in the municipality of North Brabant. The parade takes place in the different parts of the city such as Nieuwe Haagdijk and Boschstraat. The celebrations also take place in the different bars, restaurants and banquet halls.

 

The streets are filled with red and orange and people flood the streets

The streets are filled with red and orange and people flood the streets

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How the Breda Carnival is celebrated

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The season formally begins with the handing over of the keys of the city to the Prince of Carnival. Usually the carnival is celebrated in the streets, in the bars and restaurants of the city. The grand procession of the Carnival of Breda takes place on the second day of the carnival and people transit from Nieuwe Haagdijk and ends at Boschstraat. The carnival continues with a concert at the theater Chassé. There are also different performances and concerts held in the city at Grote Markt..

The city is decorated with orange and red colors which are characteristic of the city during the festivities. People dress during the festivities in costumes of their choice or in red and orange. There are also theawards for the most beautiful and best designed floats and groupings of the festivities and of course, the city also has the characteristic children’s parade.

 

Tips for going to the Breda Carnival

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If you want to be part of the carnivals in Breda, we recommend you to plan your trip in advance, that the streets are filled with people from all over the country and the region. When you come, come in costume as it is a crucial part of the festivities and be prepared to party in the streets, openings and restaurants of the city.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:.

 

Events in Breda Carnival

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Breda Carnival formally begins on Saturday. However, there is aphilharmonic concert as a sort of celebration before thegiving of the keys to the city.

The next day theCarnival Prince iswelcomed with his court at Haagdijk, later the Keys Handing Over Ceremony is held at Grote Markt, this is when the festivities begin. The children’s parade and themain parade take place the next day, as well as other smallparades and live concerts. The celebration continues in the streets, in bars and restaurants.

 

 

The third day features theawards ceremony and otherfraternization ceremonies, along with live music and other minor precessions.

On the last day of carnival, different performances are held throughout the city, the people eat and drink and the key-giving and farewell to carnival ceremonies take place.

 

During the carnival parade in Breda you see big floats participating in competition

During the carnival parade in Breda you see big floats participating in competition

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Breda Carnival Parades

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The grand procession of the Breda carnivals begins at Haagdijk where most people and floats start the procession. Other people join at Prinsenkade. The grand file is characterized by large floats, full of color and accompanied by participants also dressed in cheerful colors who walk to the rhythm of the music of the different bands that accompany the parade. This procession is the stage for the voting and selection of the most beautiful float and the best group, who will win a prize at the end of the festivities.

 

Parade route

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Breda's caranval parade starts at Haagdijk and ends at Boschstraat

Breda’s caranval parade starts at Haagdijk and ends at Boschstraat

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The route starts at Café Kopse Kant on Haagdijk street, other people join at Prinsenkade and from there walk to Hoge Brug, across Grote Markt to Boschstraat where the parade ends.

 

Brabantse Wal are unique local asparagus eaten with white wine

Brabantse Wal are unique local asparagus eaten with white wine

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What to eat at the Breda Carnival

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In the Breda region an asparagus called Brabantse Wal, is produced and consumed. It is unique and is of great importance to the region to the point of having a Certificate of Origin. People consume it with a glass of white wine. During carnivals in the city of Brena it is typical to eat Crepés during the last day of the festivities.

Some options that the city of Breda offers you to know a little of its locals and its gastronomy are Wolfslaar Restaurant, Zand & Klei and Wolfslaar Restaurant that offer a varied menu of regional, traditional country and European food.

 

On the last day of the carnival festivities it is customary to eat crepes in the city of Breda

On the last day of the carnival festivities it is customary to eat crepes in the city of Breda

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Travel Insurance

 

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Breda Carnival

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The carnival of Breda is celebrated in the streets, bars, restaurants, clubs and party halls. It is one of the particularities of the carnival, so, if you want to visit the carnival, the festivities are these spots are a must. Of course, you can also be part of the activities that take place in the city, such as the key-giving ceremony, the parades, thelive music concerts, DJ’s and the presentations that take place in the streets and squares of the city.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

Guided tours in Spanish around the world

 

What to see and do outside the Breda Carnivals

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The city of Breda offers you some attractions that you can visit during the carnivals, some of these are:

 

Reptile House De Aarde

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A mini zoo with different types of biomes specializing in reptiles, including snakes, turtles and crocodiles. You have the opportunity to touch the reptiles and the zoo is child-friendly.

 

Breda’s Begijnhof Museum

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It is a museum where information related to the environment and lifestyle of the Beguines, a Christian association of women is offered. The facilities have audiovisual programs and small arrangements.

 

Stadspark Valkenberg

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It is an urban park that connects to the city center. It functions as a meeting place where people can hang out and different birds and fountains can be found.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your ticket in advance through Tiquets:.

Book tickets in the city you are visiting

 

Safety at the Breda Carnival

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The crime rate in Breda is quite low, as are most regions in the Netherlands. Still, remain vigilant and report to the authorities if you see any suspicious activity. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:

 

 

Weather at Breda Carnival

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During the festivities, the weather is cold. The temperature ranges between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius so it is a good idea to bring warm clothes with you during the festivities.

 

Carnival festivities are alive on the streets in the city of Breda

Carnival festivities are alive on the streets in the city of Breda

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How to get to the Carnival in Breda

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to Breda is Eindhoven International Airport, located 45 km from the city. From here you can use the different means of transport to reach Breda.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by train

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From the airport go to Eindhoven station by bus using lines 400, 401 or 10. Once there take the train from Eindhoven Central Station to Breda.

 

How to get there by bus

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Once at Eindhoven Airport, head to Eindhoven station by bus via lines 400, 401 and 10. Once there, transfer to lines K801 or 1924 until you reach the city.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport take the A58 highway to the city of Breda, the drive is 36 minutes.

 

Where to stay at the Breda Carnival

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Booking.com

 

Hotel Nassau Breda, Autograph Collection

4 star hotel located 100 meters from the city center. Rooms have TV, internet, private bathroom and toiletries. Facilities include a bar and fitness center.

 

Hotel Mastbosch Breda

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4 star hotel located 2.5 km from the city center. Facilities feature free internet, bar and restaurant.

 

Amrâth Hotel Brabant

4-star hotel 2.2 km from the city center. Rooms have TVs and private bathrooms with toiletries. Facilities include a bar and swimming pool.

We recommend using Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:

 


Booking.com

 

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