1. Objective
The goal of the carnival monument is to make the cultural history of “d’r Völser Vastelovvend” visible, legible, and audible in public spaces. This is achieved through an artistic representation of the symbol of both the Vaalser people and the Vaalser carnival: the owl—”de üll” (the owl).
The monument plays a central role in the carnival celebrations in Vaals: it forms a meeting point that connects the community, keeps memories alive and pays tribute to the icons of the past.
2. Symbolism
The symbolism of the owl, the ‘üll’: in a carnivalesque way, the Vaalsenaar holds up a mirror to himself and pokes fun at his own wisdom—and that of his fellow citizens—as “a people, wise as the owl.”
As a border resident, it is, of course, not just any owl, but a border owl. Moreover, the owl as a nocturnal animal refers to the former night-time smuggling practices that were commonplace along the border. The border owl was also used by the founders of CV de Grensülle, the organizing carnival association of Vaals, founded in 1948.
From an anthropological perspective, Carnival is above all a ritual of reversal: a celebration in which roles within the community are temporarily reversed, often with a satirical undertone. For a few days each year, the “subjects” are in charge, while the “powers that be” become the butt of ridicule. Thus, this reversal festival offers a temporary escape from social norms and expectations—a period of both entertainment and social critique.
3. Location
Strikingly located next to the former Lutheran church (De Kopermolen), commissioned by the Evangelical Lutheran community in Aachen. Carnival stems from Catholic tradition: it is the exuberant celebration preceding Lent. When the Reformation (with Luther as its figurehead) arose in the 16th century, the Lutheran Church rejected many Catholic customs—but not all. Luther himself loved music, humor, and human pleasure. He believed that faith and joy need not be mutually exclusive.
It is particularly striking that, building on this reversal ritual, the “Grensüll” now overlooks the town hall—and specifically the mayor’s office—which is so beautifully symbolically “kept under surveillance.” The current town hall of Vaals (Stammhaus Clermont) was originally the home of Johann Arnold von Clermont (1728–1795), an entrepreneur, industrialist, and merchant.
4. Artistic content and material
Artistic content:
The artistic content of a carnival monument in Vaals could hardly be more clearly expressed than in the form of an owl. The wooden owls on the historic staff of the master of ceremonies and on the scepter of the prince of CV de Grensülle, both dating from 1948, served as models.
Material:
This is a figurative sculpture, carved from bluestone—in this case, Irish bluestone, a commonly used stone for sculpture. This stone was often used in our region, and certainly also in Vaals, as building and monument stone (as in the waterfall near the Gau), making it a locally appropriate choice. Furthermore, the choice was inspired by the material’s longevity and durability.
5. Cultural-historical value
Together, the Limburg carnival monuments form a cultural journey through our province. They express the richness and diversity of Limburg’s culture, language, customs, and rituals, preserving them for future generations. With the Vaals monument, Vaals has earned its well-deserved place within this framework.
This QR code provides access to all the information about the Vaals monument—in words, images, and sound. In this way, the monument helps further unlock the rich history of Vaals’ carnival.
6. Creation
This carnival monument was created through intensive collaboration between:
• Municipality of Vaals;
• Mr. and Mrs. Ralet-Cuypers (financiers), parents of the late Jubilee Prince (2003) Didier Ralet († June 14, 2022);
• Local History Society Sankt Tolbert, Vaals;
• Veldekekring Um Mamelis;
• Leo Klein and Ed Klein (stonemasons);
• Rainer Klinkenberg (stonemason/master stone sculptor);
• CV de Grensülle, Vaals (with honorary chairman Piet Weyenberg as the initiator).
7. List of Princes 7×11 years
In honour of the 7x11th anniversary of C.V. De GrensÜlle Vaals, we are proud to present a complete overview of all Princes, Children’s Princes and Court Jester who have played a prominent role in the Volser Vastelaovend from 1949 to 2025. This impressive list reflects 77 years of tradition, fun and solidarity. A tribute to everyone who has helped shape our rich carnival culture. You can find the overview here.
8. Text on pedestal Vols pakt oes
“Vols Pakt Oes” or “Vaals Goes for It!”
“Vols Pakt Oes” is considered the official carnival anthem of the Vaals carnival. The lyrics were written in 1948 by carnival singer and schlager writer Lambert Erven. Together with Leo Ketelaars, composer and conductor, they composed the music.
The lyrics, of course, recall the difficult years after World War II.
The chorus tells of the Vaalsers celebrating carnival, not letting anyone dictate to them, and fully enjoying the humor and the temporary abandonment of social rules and expectations.
Vaals has not celebrated carnival for years.
As if they were sleeping, you really got tired of it.
But this year we show everyone that we also celebrate carnival.
That’s why everything starts singing, jumping, Vaals is known as a lusty people.
Then follows the chorus:
Vaals goes all out, is going to celebrate carnival.
We don’t let anyone order us around anymore.
Let it come to what is coming.
We don’t care at all.
Because our slogan is and remains: Vaals unpacks.
When others are having fun, the whole carnival time,
Then we should certainly be able to do that, because there is humor in us.
That is why I urge you: stop complaining, celebrate our carnival well.
So that those outside the village can say, those Vaalser boys, they have courage.
Then the chorus follows again.