One of the strangest sights I have seen in my life was during my 6th month here, when I had my first Dutch Carnaval experience.

Let me try and set the scene.

There’s a certain crispness in the air that only occurs in February as the Winter is slowly fading out and the Spring is in sight. The sky is grey and overcast as it threatens faint droplets of icy rain. From my apartment I can hear a variety of sounds and noises: drums, laughter, yelling, and the most alien sound to me – Schlagers Music.

For those who are unaware of this traditional Dutch music, I will explain. Imagine a springy rhythm, fast paced violins, and VERY repetitive Dutch sounds. Are there lyrics? Who knows, but my God, is it popular during Carnaval! There are even renditions of Kings of Leon’s ‘Sex on Fire’ that have been somehow converted to this Schalgers…