Oeteldonk, Carnival nickname in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
Oeteldonk is the carnival nickname for 's-Hertogenbosch, the city's identity during its annual carnival celebrations. Residents wear red, white, and yellow while participating in parades, live music, and street parties throughout the downtown area.
The carnival tradition in the city traces back to medieval customs marking religious festive periods. Formalization through organizations like the Oeteldonksche Club from the late 1800s onward helped organize and preserve these celebrations.
The name Oeteldonk derives from local dialect, combining 'oetel' meaning frog and 'donk' referring to a sandy hill, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the region.
The carnival celebration typically begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and spans multiple days with various events at different locations throughout the city. Visitors should expect large crowds and find most activities concentrated in the downtown area.
The name comes from local dialect, combining 'oetel' meaning frog with 'donk' referring to a sandy hill, reflecting the area's historical landscape. This linguistic blend shows how the carnival identity ties back to the place's geographical roots.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
