For more information about Carnival in The Netherlands check out this blog post: Brunssum: 2026 Carnaval.
Click 'Read more' to see the parade timings for Heerlen, Brunssum, Sittard and Maastricht.
Heerlen
In Heerlen-Centrum there are three parades on the schedule again this year. Each with its own color, pace and audience.
On Saturday, the Children's Parade finishes its peak: lots of confetti, even more enthusiasm. On Sunday the Groeëte Brand follows Beer .ptoch va Heële, with wagons, chapels and everything that goes with it. And on Tuesday evening the lights will turn on during the Lichtstoet Heerlen. Illuminated cars, shiny suits and a great end to the Vasteloavend.
Three days. Three parades. In the middle of the city.
Maastricht Parade Timings
Information provided by Brunssum HIVE
On Saturday, the Children's Parade finishes its peak: lots of confetti, even more enthusiasm. On Sunday the Groeëte Brand follows Beer .ptoch va Heële, with wagons, chapels and everything that goes with it. And on Tuesday evening the lights will turn on during the Lichtstoet Heerlen. Illuminated cars, shiny suits and a great end to the Vasteloavend.
Three days. Three parades. In the middle of the city.
- Sat 14 Feb - Children's parade (13.33 hours)
- Sun 15 Feb – Groeëte Optoch (12.11 uur)
- Tue 17 Feb – Light show (8:11 h)
Parades are also going through the city outside the center. All parades can be found at www.HeerlenMijnStad.nl or https://www.facebook.com/HeerlenMijnStad
Brunssum
King Carnival in Brunssum takes place on Sunday 15th February 2026 at Lindeplein, which is opposite Brikke Oave. Lindeplein opens at 1:00 PM, Entrance is free!- King Carnival in Brunssum on Sunday 15th February starting at 2pm.
Sittard
The grand parade in Sittard (Groote Optoch Zitterd) is known for the high quality of its dozens of beautiful floats. The parade begins at 2:00 PM, lasts two hours, features approximately 3,000 participants, and attracts an impressive 80,000 visitors.
- Sunday 15th February 2026 - Sittard Grand Parade 2-4pm
- Welcoming the Prince of Carnival in Maastricht on Saturday 14 February at 1:11 pm.
- The Heeg Parade, Maastricht’s youth carnival parade, on Saturday 14 February at 2:11 pm.
- The major carnival parade “Boonte Störrem” in Maastricht on Sunday 15 February at 1:33 pm.
- On Monday 16 February:
- at 2:11 pm the Groete Optoch in Hier (Heer),
- at 2:22 pm the Femilieoptoch of Maastricht,
- at 2:30 pm the Wolder-Vroenhoven Carnival Parade.
Information provided by Brunssum HIVE