Carnaval in Den Bosch in Brabant has become too much of a “festival” and should return to its traditional roots, according to the town’s local council and carnaval association De Oeteldonkse Club.

Carnaval in Den Bosch, or Oeteldonk as it is called for the duration of the festivities, has become too much of a party magnet over the years, they say, resulting in overcrowding and the loss much of its traditional character.

“After lockdown carnaval has taken on the character of a festival and we don’t want that anymore,” mayor Jack Mikkers told local broadcaster Omroep Brabant.

“It’s not a festival but a party for the people celebrated in the streets with Oeteldonk music. When we all wear the farmers’ smock, we are all equal,” says Jeroen Dona chairman of the Oeteldonkse Club.

The council also wants to do away with “unofficial activities” organised in the days ahead of the celebrations which start on February 15.

“It’s the party of “boeren en durskes” (farmers and farm girls). If Prins Amadeiro (the traditional Prince Carnaval presiding over the festivities) had wanted to hear après-ski music, he would have gone skiing. If people want a festival with house music and après-ski music, this is not the place to come looking for it,” Dona said.

People who come to Den Bosch to celebrate carnival will have to keep to the rules, but if they leave behind their farmers’ smocks, they will still be welcome. “There will be no signs at the station saying “No banana suits,” Dona said. “But I think everybody now knows that’s not right for Oeteldonk.”

Carnaval derives from the Latin, carne vale, meaning “farewell to meat,” and takes place over the weekend ahead of the six-week period of Lent. This year, the celebrations start on Sunday, February 15, but will continue well into Tuesday in many places – unless the beer runs out.

Public Carnaval events are held throughout North Brabant and Limburg, but also extend into Gelderland, Twente, and some parts of Zeeland. While the biggest cities serve as focal points, most towns and villages host their own community-centered parties as well.

Amsterdam has recently announced its own plans to try to reduce the crowds attending the King’s Day festivities on April 27 because of overcrowding.