Helmond is getting ready for the party of all parties! With a packed agenda and activities for young and old, Carnival 2025 promises to be unforgettable. From the announcement of Prince Briek to the entertaining parade and from the Grand Finale du KeieKlets to the Butskes Kroegenreundje: there is something for everyone. Read on quickly for all the highlights!
Carnival season begins
Saturday, 25 January: Announcement of Prince Briek LII
Time: 13:30 - 18:00
Location: Castle Square
The kick-off of the new carnival year! Prince Briek LII will be unveiled in spectacular fashion at the Kasteelplein, followed by a festive reception in Hoftempel West-Ende. Here you can congratulate the new prince and toast to a wonderful carnival year.
Sunday, January 26: Announcement of Prince Briekske
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Location: Court Temple
This day is especially for the youth of Helmond. During an interactive theme afternoon with games and riddles, the new Prince Briekske will be unveiled. Together with Prince Briek, he will lead the young carnival revellers into Keiestad!
Sunday, February 9: Kiezelkeikesfist
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Location: The Traverse
An afternoon of music, performances and fun especially for children. Together with Prince Briekske and the Huppeldepupkes, this will be an unforgettable party for Helmond's youngest partygoers.
Sunday, February 16: Gala Matinee du Keiebijters
Time: 15:00 - 21:00
Location: The Traverse
An atmospheric afternoon full of performances, chats, entertainment and a delicious dinner. Ideal for celebrating carnival in an exclusive ambiance.
Saturday, February 22: Hilmond Zingt
Time: 20:00 - 23:45
Location: The Traverse
Sing your lungs out at this fun sing-along party. Perfect to get in the mood for carnival!
Friday, February 28: Vurgloeie
Location: Mizunallen Square
Time: 15:30 - 20:30
Start your carnival weekend off right with a free party at Mizunallen Square. Top artists will provide music and atmosphere!
Friday, February 28: Keijological Skottel
Time: 18:00 - 20:15
Location: Court Temple
Start the evening with a cosy dinner to get in the mood for a unique tradition.
Friday, February 28: Keijologische Hogeskool
Time: 21:00 - 23:30
Location: The Traverse
The Keijologische Hogeskool is an evening full of humour and tradition. This is where peropers are installed, promotions awarded and the Nobel Prize awarded.
The KeieKletst Tournament
The legendary chat nights are a highlight in the run-up to carnival. Twelve barrel talkers compete for a place in the finals, where the winner wins the prestigious Zilveren Narrenkap.
- Saturday 25 January: First chat night
- Saturday, February 1: Second chat night
- Saturday, February 8: Third chat night
- Saturday, February 15: Grand Finale du KeieKlets
Location: The Traverse
Times: Room open at 19:00, support act at 19:30, start chatting night at 20:00.
Each evening will end festively with live music and a swinging ball.
Carnival weekend 2025
Saturday, March 1: Opening party & Boulder Excavation
Time: 14:00 - 18:00
Location: Mizunallen Square
After the key handover to Prince Briek, the party erupts on the square, with the traditional digging up of the boulder at 16:11.
Saturday, March 1: Kei-Orange Masked Ball
Time: 20:00 - 01:30
Location: The Traverse
Theme this year: Masked Ball! Three halls, three totally different parties - a spectacular evening guaranteed.
Sunday, March 2: The Cosiest Parade of the South
Time: 13:30 - 18:00
Location: Through the centre of Helmond
Be enchanted by beautiful floats and colourful creations during this impressive parade.
Monday 3 March: Kiezelkeikes afternoon
Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Location: Court Temple
Old-fashioned Dutch games, face painting, a catwalk and much more! This children's event promises a happy afternoon for all little carnival fans.
Monday, March 3: Price blaze
Time: 13:00 - 19:00
Location: Helmond city centre
The city buzzes with music with great performances by brass bands, ending with a party in Mizunallen Square.
Tuesday, March 4: Butskes Kroegenreundje
Time: 14:00 - 18:00
Location: Various pubs
A fun pub crawl with assignments and a celebration at the Mizunallen square.
Tuesday, March 4: Nog inne Kei'er & Kei Begraven
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Mizunallen Square
The conclusion of the carnival season with a final celebration and the boulder burial.
More info on Helmond's carnival programme? Then take a look at Events - Keiebijters.
