17-02-2010 om 16:09 by Amanda Potter

As ‘t Mooswief doll was lowered at midnight, Dan and I stood and hummed along with the singing revelers commemorated the end of Carnival 2010 on the Vrijthof. Sure I didn’t know the song. Or what the Prince said. Or even who most of the people around me were. But as we walked home it occurred to me that Carnival has helped bring me closer to the city I choose to live in.

Grasping Tradition

Part of the traditional pre-Lent celebrations seen in many Catholic cities, Maastricht’s Carnival celebration are well-known. Besides its reputation of indulgence, Carnival is a time for people to get a bit silly and to enjoy themselves in their community. Reading articles can teach you about the traditions, but attending events such as the 11 cannon shots fired at the opening of Carnival or speeches at the Prince’s palace can help you grasp some of the nuances or feeling what the traditions really mean. And which events are more important than others.

Be “Like a Local”



I would never claim to be a local, but the best way to emulate them a bit is to ask questions and observe the reality of the activities. Reading and asking questions before the event allowed us to dress up when everyone else did, Sunday through Tuesday, but we had to attend the parade and speeches to see the coordinated families, bands, and groups. Children even ran around inside of cafes while their parents enjoyed their drinks. Many groups (especially ones from the parade) had their own beer and snack carts, and brass bands roamed the streets playing whatever came to mind. Sunday was the most active day, but Tuesday’s closing events were also popular despite the late hour.

Belongingness



Just as I’m not claiming to be a local, I won’t make any claims on feeling like I fit in. Yet. But the open and fun atmosphere of Carnival can make you feel like you belong at least for a little while. As the event drew to a close a flood of people collected on the Vrijthof to bid farewell to the celebrations; we were simply swept along with them. When everyone around you is singing, cheering, crying and laughing it is impossible not to get caught up in the emotion. Large events are also a great time to meet others new to the region who are just as curious as you.

Belongingness can be elusive for expats, but involving ourselves in Carnival helped us make connections big and small to our chosen city.

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