Tens of thousands of people gathered in traditional carnaval cities on Tuesday morning to mark the official start of the new carnival season at exactly 11:11.

In Den Bosch, crowds filled the square outside the Sint Janskathedraal. “We’re off!” one reveller told regional broadcaster Omroep Brabant.

In Roermond, the festivities were launched with 11 cannon shots “to drive away evil spirits and bring sunshine and joy,” broadcaster L1 reported. In Venlo, one of the cannons misfired, producing a burst of flame instead of a bang, but no one was injured.

Dutch Railways (NS) laid on extra trains throughout the day to carry visitors to major carnaval cities.

Although November 11 is now almost as busy as carnaval itself, the link between the two dates runs deep. “Both mark a shift from abundance to restraint,” theologian Paul van Geest told broadcaster NOS.

“In the Middle Ages, November 11 began the lead-up to Christmas, just as carnaval precedes Lent. It reminds us we can’t always celebrate — but it’s fine to start the quiet season with a party.”

Carnaval itself derives from the latin, carne vale, meaning farewell to meat, and takes place over the weekend ahead of the six-week period of Lent.

November 11 is also tied to Saint Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier turned bishop whose act of sharing his cloak with a beggar became a symbol of equality and compassion. The number 11, often called the fools’ number, reflects that same spirit — two equal ones side by side.

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