Every year Venlo hosts a beautiful carnival just before the Lent. This carnival is one of the most popular and favorite national celebrations in the region. Despite the fact that such solemn events usually take place in several other cities across the country, Venlo carnival is distinguished by a number of interesting peculiarities and unusual traditions. The carnival takes place 40 days before Easter. First celebrations of this kind appeared yet several centuries ago in the country. Local people believe that it is important to have fun, eat delicious food, and enjoy trouble-free days before the Lent as that will help to follow the strict rules of fasting.
Traditionally, local people choose the prince and princess of the carnival. This couple becomes the rulers of the city during the event. They receive the symbol of power from the mayor – the city’s key. Once this ceremony is over, numerous parades and performances start in Venlo. The traditional procession moves on all main streets of the city, attracting more and more citizens and travelers. Carts and chariots have become an essential part of the celebration – local people make giant figures of fairytale characters and famous people and put these figures into carts.
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