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.
Inception: 1882
GPS coordinates: 51.68917,5.30306
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23
De Moriaan
42 m
's-Hertogenbosch town hall
0 m
Statue of Hieronymus Bosch
85 m
Well house 's-Hertogenbosch
90 m
Markt 61, 's-Hertogenbosch
61 m
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwehuisje
90 m
Former C&A
22 m
Leeuwenburg
100 m
Etude gothique
47 m
De Roodenburgh
48 m
Former V&D
93 m
Gouden Leeuw
86 m
Beelden Handel en Nijverheid
73 m
Markt 30, 's-Hertogenbosch
7 m
Pensmarkt 36, 's-Hertogenbosch
61 m
Pensmarkt 5, 's-Hertogenbosch
8 m
Markt 14, 's-Hertogenbosch
31 m
Markt 12, 's-Hertogenbosch
38 m
Schapenmarkt 2, 's-Hertogenbosch
85 m
Pensmarkt 16, 's-Hertogenbosch
36 m
Het Vosken
77 m
Markt 11, 's-Hertogenbosch
81 m
De Vijf Vocalen
95 m
Markt 15, 's-Hertogenbosch
90 m
Markt 17, 's-Hertogenbosch
94 m
Markt 18, 's-Hertogenbosch
24 m
Pensmarkt 11, 's-Hertogenbosch
10 m
Markt 40, 's-Hertogenbosch
25 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes