The City Parade
12 stories - out of town
1. The city comes to life
Stationsplein | Meet the Mosasaurus
Millions of years ago, the Mosasaurus swam in the sea that once covered Maastricht. In the 18th century, a remarkable skeleton was discovered near Mount Saint Peter. Now Bèr, Maastricht’s oldest resident, is resurfacing once more. His enormous skeleton is unveiled whilst young dancers bring the underwater world of millions of years ago to life. Afterwards, Bèr makes his way through Wyck and is given a special task: as Maastricht’s oldest resident, he will lead the way in the City Parade.
2. A bridge through time
The Romans | Servaasbrug
Maastricht has been a city of bridges for centuries. A Roman bridge across the River Meuse s made the city an important link between the north and south of the Roman Empire. On the St Servatius Bridge, you step right into that history. A huge inflatable replica shows what the first bridge might have looked like, whilst Romans appear amongst the crowd. Images and stories then take you on a journey past the bridges that have connected Maastricht through the centuries.
3. Stars of the City
Famous Maastricht Residents | Kesselskade
In the late 19th century, Fons Olterdissen painted a tableau featuring prominent Maastricht residents. Now, the stars of both past and present are being given a contemporary makeover. Maastricht icons are the inspiration for unique outfits that reimagine their character and story. On the catwalk, the past and present walk side by side, against the backdrop of a contemporary version of Olterdissen’s painting. Fashion, performance and history come together in a colourful tribute to the stars of Maastricht.
4. Voices of the City
Maastricht’s Folk Heroes | Pleintje Mestreechter Geis
Maastricht has been the subject of many songs over the centuries. It’s no coincidence that the ‘Mestreechter Geis’ represents a city that is warm-hearted, quirky, humorous and musical. In this little square, well-known Maastricht songs and tunes from Fons Olterdissen’s ‘kemikke’ operas are brought back to life. Live performances are interspersed with music from days gone by, and of course, everyone is welcome to sing along. After all, a ‘ Mestreechter Geis ’ without music? That’s simply not on!
5. Two worlds
Poverty | Stokstraat
Behind the stately façades of Stokstraat lies a different history. Many families once lived here in extreme poverty and under difficult circumstances. Through ‘Pieke oet de Stokstraat’, that vanished world is brought back to life through theatre, music, photography and poetry. Actors portray life in days gone by, and historical stories are brought to life through portraits of people who grew up here as children. In this way, the Maastricht of yesterday and today meet on the same street.
6. One for all!
d’Artagnan | Onze Lieve Vrouwe city wall
The famous musketeer d’Artagnan spent part of his life in Maastricht and was killed here during the siege of 1673. On the Onze Lieve Vrouwe city wall, he returns for a final breakfast with his musketeers. There will be fencing, fighting and demonstrations, and visitors can try their hand at the art of fencing. With French delicacies, a chaotic field kitchen and a good dose of humour, a lively scene unfolds around the legendary musketeer. One for all, to the cannons!
7. Watching sounds
Maastricht Composers | Grote Looiersstraat
Over the centuries, Maastricht has produced some remarkable composers. Their music takes on a new form in the Grote Looiersstraat. As compositions from different periods are played, six artists react live to what they hear. No marble busts here, but works of art created before the audience’s very eyes. Music and visual art thus enter into a direct dialogue with one another. And when a rolling piano rolls down the street, music suddenly becomes not just something to hear, but also something to see.
8. Words that linger
Maastricht Poets | Henric van Veldeke Square
Henric van Veldeke was one of the first poets from this region to write not in Latin, but in the language of ‘ordinary people’. Centuries later, poetry in various languages can once again be heard on the square that bears his name. Contemporary poets share their own experiences of Maastricht and then invite the audience to have their say. During the open mic session, languages, stories and people come together. Because the city continues to produce new stories.
9. Rise and Fall
The Age of Industry | Vrijthof
During Maastricht’s industrial heyday, many workers lived in harsh conditions. ‘De Groete Bouw’ was a notorious workers’ hostel from that period. On the Vrijthof, the building is being recreated as a seventeen-metre-high replica made of cardboard, built collectively by hundreds of Maastricht residents. But the structure will not remain standing. During a spectacular performance featuring dance and percussion, ‘De Groete Bouw’ will be demolished once again. This time, everyone is invited to join in: building it together and tearing it down together.
10. The heart of the city
The founding of Momus | Vrijthof
The Momus social club laid the foundations for Maastricht’s Vastelaovend. But Momus was not just about ‘fun’. Charity – looking after one another – also played an important role. In front of the historic Momus building, the society’s founding will be brought back to life. Stories and music will take you back to the Vastelaovend of yesteryear, and of course there’ll be dancing. The tradition of charity is also making a comeback, with soup being served to the public. Fun and charity!
11. Two gentlemen, one city
The Joyful Entry | Market
For a long time, Maastricht was ruled by two lords: the Duke of Brabant and the Prince-Bishop of Liège. During the Joyous Entry of 1550, the city staged a spectacular display to show who really called the shots here. On the Markt, that history comes to life once more with historical figures, music, circus acts and entertainment. The city’s giant, Gigantius, also makes an appearance: a nod to the unusual balance of power back then. Two lords, one city and a Market Square full of spectacle.
12. Curious about tomorrow
Science & Inventors | Mosae Forum
Maastricht has a long history of invention and research. Alongside the statue of inventor Jan Pieter Minckelers, this exhibition focuses its gaze firmly on the future. Inside a glass greenhouse, you’ll discover how science is addressing issues of food, health and sustainability. From cultured meat and cultured leather to experiments you can carry out yourself: here, science becomes tangible and accessible to young and old alike. After all, Maastricht’s history is shaped not only by what was once invented here, but also by what will be created tomorrow.
The grand finale
It all comes together on the Markt
After a day filled with history, music, theatre and socialising, the whole city comes together on the Markt.
All the stories, all the performers and all the visitors come together for the grand finale of the City Parade: a surprising, festive conclusion in which the past and the present come together one last time.
Featuring: Frans Theunisz, Beppie Kraft, John Tana, Katja Henz, Roger Villevoye, Duo X-Elle, Hielemaol Los and Shakin DJs
Shaped by the past - connected in the present
Maastricht is a city full of stories. Stories of people who lived, worked, celebrated, invented, built and constantly reshaped the city.
In 2026, Maastricht will celebrate its rich history during the Maastricht Year. A city-wide programme in which past and present come together through performances, celebrations, gatherings and special moments throughout the city.
It’s not just about looking at history, but seeing it through fresh eyes. Together with all its residents, Maastricht brings stories to life and creates space for new encounters and connections.
History
In 1905, a large historical parade passed through Maastricht, organised by writer Fons Olterdissen. With this parade, he brought the city's glorious past to life and managed not only to attract visitors from outside, but also to make Maastricht citizens themselves aware of their shared history again. This tradition of imagining and connecting is the inspiration for today's City Parade.
