Carnival
Every year, Tilburg transforms into Kruikenstad for five days. What once started as a forbidden folk festival has grown into a social foundation where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Discover the story of the ‘Kruikenzeiker’ and the invisible walls that we break down together.
The soul of Kruikenstad: history and symbolism
Carnival in Tilburg is relatively young. It was not until 1965 that public carnival was officially permitted, after the festival had been banned for over a hundred years. With its reintroduction, the name Kruikenstad (Jug City) was also created. This refers to Tilburg's textile past, where workers used urine — carried in jugs — in the wool processing process. The nickname Kruikenzeiker thus grew from a term of abuse to a badge of honor.
In Tilburg, we like to be a little rebellious. We don't wait for permission, we just go for it. Here, the most social, creative, and innovative ideas are given free rein. Because we know that disobedience is the beginning of progress and innovation. A striking example is the story of Piet Spape. He organized a carnival parade while celebrating carnival in Tiburg was illegal. Nowhere else was carnival banned for so long: 100 years. Brabants Dagblad wrote this article about it.
Important icons
- The symbol – the Kruikenzeiker
Since 1967, the Kruikenzeiker has been the official logo of carnival in Tilburg. The statue in Nieuwlandstraat is a lasting tribute to the city's working-class past. - The beating heart — the Stadsforum
Since 2025, the Stadsforum in the center of Tilburg has been the setting for major carnival events such as Kruikenstad in Koor and Et Sebiet - The clothing—the smock and green-orange scarf
That smock and green-orange scarf represent more than just clothing: they represent solidarity. The smock and scarf are wonderful symbols, but never a requirement. There are a thousand ways to participate—with or without beer, with or without emblems. Why green and orange? These are the colors that blend our city colors of yellow and blue.
Carnaval
Meer informatie
Everything about carnival in Kruikenstad: from traditions to places where you can experience the festivities.
Carnival as Social Fabric
For many Tilburg residents, carnival is more than just a party; it is a fundamental part of their identity. A symbol of a society coming together, especially in a time of increasing polarization.
• Hospitality: Traditionally, the festival is characterized by care and hospitality, such as at Beppie's home, where the Council of Eleven took a break from their duties to enjoy some pea soup and sausage rolls.
• Integration: For newcomers like Ammar, the first carnival was a culture shock, but it grew into a symbol of freedom and a way to truly become part of Tilburg society.
• The Neighborhood Bar: In places such as Café Marktzicht, where Ellen works behind the bar during carnival, this celebration is marked by ‘warm social control’, where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. Cheers!
Innovation and Inclusivity
Kruikenstad (Jug City) keeps moving forward. There is increasing focus on how the festival can remain accessible to everyone.
- The Status Quo:
Artists such as Lotte question traditions (such as the blue smock) to ensure that carnival does not ‘pinch’ but moves with the times. - Safety:
Initiatives such as the ‘Nie graoie, mar zwaoie’ emblem and the introduction of a
Safe Space at the City Forum are aimed at creating a safe environment for every visitor. - New Generation:
Groups of friends such as ‘Moeilijk Straal’ show how the transition from hobby celebrations to organizing their own events (such as ‘Heel Veul Fist’ on the Heuvel) strengthens the dynamics of the city.
Links & downloads for press
- Visual material: Available and accessible via nicole.severijns@marketingtilburg.nl
- Interviews: Possible upon request
- Program: View the complete agenda of the Tilburg Carnival Foundation, including D'n Inhaol and
Kruikenconcerten (in Dutch). - Historical depth: Watch the Andere Tijden broadcast about the Illegal Carnival in Tilburg (in Dutch).
- Tip: The NTR will soon launch a special Podwalk about the history and stories of Tilburg. The link to this walk will be posted at: hetverhaalvannederland.ntr.nl/podwalks/
View more
Check out the related articles below and discover what Tilburg has to offer.
