5 x highlights during carnival in Breda

Carnaval

Carnival consists of dozens of events in total. Pre-parties, parades, children's balls, you name it. You'll find them all in our event calendar. We recommend six must-see highlights during carnival in ut Kielegat.

The Kick-off - "Kielegatters, the city is ours!

In the days leading up to the 'official' carnival, the festivities begin to gently unfold, but the real kick-off is on Saturday afternoon at the Grote Markt. A parade of Kielegatters accompanies Prince Driekus d’n Tweejde from the Harbour to the steps of the Town Hall. There, he receives the keys to the city from the mayor, every year with the same words: "Kielegatters, the city is ours!"
Carnival has begun!

The Key Handover is on Saturday afternoon, 1 March, at 14:11. For the route, see the map at the bottom of this page.

The Great Parade

On the Monday afternoon of Carnival, the Grand Parade traditionally takes place through the Kielegat. Hundreds of Kielegatters ensure that every year there is a colourful parade featuring beautiful floats, humorous large and small groups, and original individual participants moving through the city centre.

The Grand Parade is on Monday afternoon, 3 March, starting at 12.11 pm. See the map at the bottom of this page for the route.

Read all about the Great Parade in ut Kielegat here.

Blaring with Red and Orange

The Sunday evening is entirely dedicated to the real Kielegatse carnival with a new event. Of course, that includes music from local bands and DJs. Enjoy spectacular performances from Tworwelwa, Arjan Broeders, and some surprising artists from the Blèèrfeest. With the well-known Breda DJ Cor Fireman keeping the atmosphere festive and energetic all evening, this will be an unforgettable Kielegats spectacle!

Show that you are a true Kielegatter and come dressed in as much red and orange as possible!

Blèèren meej Rood en Oranje takes place in the Grote Markt and will be officially opened at 20:00 by Prince Driekus d'n Tweejde.

Sunday 2 March, 19:49.

Kielegatse Brakken Afternoon

The Tuesday afternoon of Carnival is for the smallest Kielegattertjes, our little ones.
The very youngest are welcome at the Grote Markt from 11.33 a.m. There they can get their faces painted, enjoy pancakes, play games, and do crafts.
At 14.11 the Brakkensliert starts from the Haven, a cheerful parade of colourfully dressed children. See the map below for the route. The Brakkensliert ends at the Chassé Theatre. There is the Guldenbal for young and old, and the Bonte Brakkenmiddag for all children.
At 17.11, the prizes for the Brakkensliert will be awarded at the Guldenbal.

Tuesday 4 March, from 11.33 a.m. See the map at the bottom of this page for the route of the Brakkensliert.

Burning Kiske and Mieske

Everything comes to an end, including carnival. It's clear that carnival doesn't just fizzle out like a candle. In a bustling Grote Markt where a crowd is enjoying themselves just a bit longer, Prince Driekus takes off his hat and hands the keys of the city back to the mayor.

The carnival symbols Kiske and Mieske are hoisted down from the facade of the Town Hall and, with a parade of ups and downs, joy and sorrow, are brought to the Harbour. There, it all goes up in flames. Carnival is over again. On to 2026.

Tuesday, 4 March, 19:33 - Grote Markt and Harbour