Historical information

Carnival (Dutch: Carnaval) is an important annual event heralding Lent in the southern provinces of The Netherlands, with each village often having its own "Carnavalsclub" and traditions. Many Dutch immigrantsg from the southern provinces have continued this tradition and formed their regional Carnavals Clubs in Australia. Each club has its own colourful uniforms, including specific hats. There are potentially three types of hats: A formal hat for official events, a work hat for use during normal club nights and for those members lucky enough to be chosen for a year as the "Prince" of the club, a Prince's Hat.
Dutch Carnival is primarily a festival celebrating human folly which is why the hats are like jesters' caps. "Carnaval" comes with a rich tradition of ridiculing people and institutions of authority, and so, for instance, the "Prince" is saluted with military salutes which are performed the wrong way round, to the great merriment of onlookers. Special songs celebrating the foolishness of people in high places, such as politicians, are composed each year for "Carnaval".

Significance

For people from the southern provinces of the Netherlands, the annual "Carnaval" is an important cultural event.

Physical description

Decorative hat from silk-like material, coloured orange, green and cream and finished off with silvery gold band and other decorative items (see picture - also see items 6352 and 6353).

Inscriptions & markings

Has the name "L. Havel" on the inside.