Photo: Gré van Pelt

Carnival in Breda 2026

Carnival 2026 will take place from 14 to 17 February 2026. 

The party starts around noon every day. Does the music on the stages stop at the end of the evening? Don't worry, because the bars keep going until the wee hours. 

On this page, you will find everything you need to know when you come to celebrate Carnival in Kielegat. 

Carnival for beginners

Are you new in Breda? Maybe you're an expat or foreign student. There is a good chance that you never celebrated carnival before. It's good to know that carnival is more than just partying and dressing up. Carnival is a celebration of creativity, togetherness and fraternisation. 
Everyone dresses up (yes, that's really part of it), which means that differences in who or what you are in everyday life disappear. 
Carnival is also full of traditions. We'd love to introduce you to them in our blog “Kielegat for beginners”. 

You don't want to miss this during the carnival in Breda.

Carnival actually consists of dozens of large and small events for young and old. There are a few that you really must have attended. We created an overview. Bet that your children will be very happy with the fourth item?

Carnival parades

Almost every city or village where carnival is celebrated has a parade. Usually the highlight of the annual carnival.
In the municipality of Breda, there are several: 

Sunday 15 February:

  • Parade 't Aogje (Princenhage)
  • Parade Baviaonenland (Bavel)
  • Parade Boemeldonck (Prinsenbeek)
  • Parade Bosuilendorp (Ulvenhout)

Monday 16 February:

  • Grand Parade Kielegat (Breda)
  • Lampkes Parade Totdenringen (Teteringen)

Tuesday 17 February:

  • Brakkensliert Kielegat (children's parade)
Photo: Gré van Pelt

Check out the main carnival events here

Check out a selection from the carnival agenda below. Do you want to see all carnival events? Then go to our event calendar.

Buy your Kielegatse items in the Explore Breda Store

Hats, scarves, badges, boxer shorts.  There are all kinds of ways to show that you come from Kielegat, or at least that you have a soft spot for Kielegat. 

Would you like to support the Breda carnival with these items? Then make sure you buy the official Kielegat merchandise.

Part of the Kielegat collection is available at the Explore Breda Store at Stadserf 2. 

The full range can be found in the special Kielegat Shop at Ridderstraat 2.

Practical information about carnival

From parade routes, bicycle parking and first aid to Leutpenningen, toilets and accessibility. We'll show you the way during carnival in Breda.

Photo: Gré van Pelt

Borrowing carnival clothing

Together with Parels and a group of volunteers, the Kielegat foundation ensures that carnival costumes are available for everyons, youg and old. This way, everyone can join in the fun during carnival.

Do you have any carnival costumes you no longer use? Make someone else happy with them!

Carnival from your comfy chair

Prefer not to go out or just want to celebrate Carnival at home? BredaNu (Sanseveria TV) will bring the carnival atmosphere to your living room. Performances from artists, live reports of the most important carnival events, and much more. All you need to do is hang up the streamers yourself!

You can find more information on the website of BredaNu.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carnival in Breda - FAQ

Discover more about Breda

More practical info about carnival in Breda

From bicycle shelters, first aid and Leutpenningen to toilets and accessibility. We show you the way during carnival in Breda.