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Photo: Gré van Pelt

Carnival in Breda 2025

From 1 to 4 March 2025, it’s carnival time again. With a special anniversary because carnival in ut Kielegat has been around for 8 x 11 or 88 years! We are undoubtedly going to celebrate this exuberantly with extra anniversary parties for young and old. Furthermore, you will find the most important carnival events in Breda on this page, as well as a lot of practical information in due course. 

Buy your Kielegat items in the Explore Breda Store

Hats, scarves, emblems, boxer shorts.  There are all kinds of ways to show that you are from the Kielegat, or at least that you care about the Kielegat. Part of the Kielegat collection is for sale at the Explore Breda Store at Stadserf 2. You support the the carnival in Breda with it! 

Opening carnival season: the Ellufde of the Ellufde

On Monday, 11 November, we will officially kick off the carnival season with a spectacular opening. This year is extra special, as it marks the 88th anniversary. 

The big question of who will lead the carnival revelers in the celebrations this year will be answered around 17:11 when the (new) royal highness of Kielegat is presented. This will be done in a festive manner with performances by, among others, Johnny Purple, Peter Selie, and the Dorini’s. Our own Breda DJ Toeskee will ensure a carnival atmosphere and turn it into one grand traditional celebration. 
You don't want to miss this! Be there on Monday, 11 November, at the Grote Markt for an unforgettable kick-off full of carnival atmosphere.

Photo: Gré van Pelt

D'n Aftrap - "Kielegatters, the city is ours!

In the days leading up to the actual carnival, the festivities start to come alive slowly, but the real kick-off is on Saturday afternoon at the Grote Markt. The prince of ut Kielegat receives the keys to the city from the mayor on the steps of the Town Hall. This is the moment when the prince utters the same words every year:  "Kielegatters, the city is ours!"
Carnival has begun. 

The kick-off is on Saturday afternoon, 1 March. The time will be announced later. 

Photo: Gré van Pelt

Big Parade of ut Kielegat

Carnival Monday is the day for carnival in Breda. In the afternoon, the grand parade winds through the city centre. Every year, it is the highlight of carnival. The Prince's float leads the procession and 'parks' on the Grote Markt. All participants in the parade pass by the prince and his entourage to showcase their act, float, or costume. As the finale, the prince's float then continues to the endpoint. 
The parade attracts many locals from Breda but also thousands of visitors from outside to the city. After the parade, there is a big celebration in the Chassé Theatre where all the prize winners are announced. 

The parade will take place on Monday, 3 March 2025. In due course, you will also find the route of the parade here. 

Photo: Gré van Pelt

View more parades in the municipality of Breda here

Street Carnival

The street carnival is becoming increasingly important in ut Kielegat. On various days and evenings, there is live music at the Grote Markt, where thousands of carnival revellers gather. The Grote Markt turns into one big dancing and jolly crowd. 

Read the programme here in due course. 

Photo: Stichting Kielegat

View the main carnival events here.

Carnival consists of a huge number of smaller events for young and old. Check out a selection below. Want to see everything? Then go to our event calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival in Breda - FAQ

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