Colors of Maastricht - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Of course, the southernmost city of Holland is distinguished by special national features. Its residents cherish the traditions and customs of their ancestors. You will understand this if you visit the city during one of national holidays. Thus, Maastirht is the only city in the country where is organized Christmas market. For several days the city transforms into a colorful bazaar. During the days before Christmas the market is always visited by many tourists.

Each February here takes place a no less colorful celebration. Each year here is selected the Prince of Carnival, which is awarded with the key to the city from the hand of the mayor. During several days mass celebrations take place on the streets and squares of the city. Locals and tourists drink hot mulled wine and eat flavorful waffles, and nimble dancers and musicians entertain visitors and demonstrate their talents.

March is the time for conducting the world-famous exhibition of antiques. This event attracts collectors from all over the world. This is a very prestigious and important exhibition, so every European city would consider an honor to host such a massive celebration. Another distinguishing feature of the city is an abundance of marijuana. This fact is easily explained by the city’s close proximity to the border. Virtually every resident of Maastricht grows marijuana at home. The so called "greenhouses" are often located on balconies and attics. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The lack of various national characters is a striking feature of Maastricht. Here the city distinguishes from other Dutch cities. For example, it is not simple to find flower markets with numerous tulips, which are so usual for tourists. There are no canals and marine symbols that are common for the majority of other cities. The city’s streets are reminiscent of a classic European boulevard, on which old fortresses are mixed with modern shopping malls and elegant churches.

Certainly, the most southern city of Holland is distinguished by a special national color. The local people of Maastricht cherish the customs and traditions of their ancestors, and the special manifestation they find during the national holidays. Moreover, Maastricht is the only city in the country where the Christmas fair - "Magic Maastricht" is held. During Christmas holiday, the reality and magic in winter Maastricht intersect almost at every step. Throughout December, the fair pleases all the guests and visitors with magnificent goods and food of local production, strikes with a unique panorama of the city at night in the lights, offers a ride on a huge Ferris wheel and on the famous old two-story roundabouts. You will try traditional Christmas treats, take a ride on attractions, be able to participate in competitions and see theatrical and circus performances. Well, of course, in the center of the fair is a skating rink with an area of 100 square meters.

Every year in February, one of the most colorful and crazy events of Holland takes place here - the Carnival. It lasts for three days - from Sunday to Tuesday, but locals usually stretch out their pleasure for at least a week. Just imagine: people specifically take leave to start drinking at 11 am in the company of bees, ducks, superheroes and Hello Kitty. Needless to say, everything in the city stops working and falls into an alcoholic coma - only bars and shops are open. Hangout takes place on the streets - every day huge parades, performances of local bands and DJs. The festival begins with the raising of the festive flag and gunshots in the Vrijthof Square - after that, according to local traditions, you can drink and hang out with impunity for at least three days. The central figure and the symbol of the carnival is the saleswoman of vegetables, which symbolizes luck and prosperity. It is clear that until the next February is still full of time, but if you want to get on the most ruthless alcohol holiday in Northern Europe, then you can already start planning a trip.

In March, you will be able to enjoy the world-famous exhibition of antiques, which attracts collectors from all over the world. This is a very prestigious and significant event; every European city would consider it an honor to become the venue for such a large-scale celebration. Moreover, during summer in Maastricht pass two famous festivals. The first event is dedicated to culinary art - Preuvenemint Festival, which is held on the last Sunday of August. And the second celebration is called Kermes when traditional fairs and folk festivals take place. Life in Maastricht is boiling, as far as here pass numerous "fishermen days", various music festivals and sporting events. This small city on the border of three countries attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world. How does it harmoniously combine the features of several countries? This question is difficult to answer with words. This can only be felt.