Tilburgse Kermis

The Tilburgse Kermis, also known as the Tilburg Fair, is one of the largest annual funfairs in the Netherlands. It takes place in the city of Tilburg, located in the southern province of Noord-Brabant. The fair usually occurs during the last week of July and runs for about ten days, attracting millions of visitors from all over the country and even beyond.

Dating back to the late 16th century, when it was known as the Tilborchse kermisse, the Tilburgse Kermis has a long history and is deeply rooted in the local culture. Originally, it was a market event accompanying the feast day of Saint Dionysius, the patron saint of the city. Over time, it evolved into a vibrant and diverse carnival featuring a wide array of attractions, rides, games, food stalls and entertainment for people of all ages.

One of the distinctive features of the Tilburgse Kermis is its sheer size and variety. Spread across several streets and squares in the city center, the fair encompasses over 200 attractions, including thrilling rides like roller coasters and spinning wheels, as well as traditional carousel rides and family-friendly activities. There are also numerous food stalls offering Dutch delicacies such as poffertjes (mini pancakes), stroopwafels (syrup waffles), oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls) and other treats.

The Tilburgse Kermis is not just about rides and food; it also hosts live music performances, street theater, Roze Maandag (Pink Monday), circus acts and other entertainment throughout its duration.

The fair creates a festive atmosphere, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy themselves.