Firework use in the Netherlands is unlike anything I have ever seen in the US. Most of the year, fireworks are illegal here, but starting around the middle of December people can order fireworks. On December 28th they can pick them up at the store, and for one day only, December 31st through New Year’s Eve, they can set them off. And man do they set off fireworks in this country!
All over the country towns turn into a gigantic war zone of bangs, blasts, pops, cracks, and pretty colors. Now, I’m not going to get into the obvious safety issues associated with people playing football with fireworks in the street, or shooting them off at each other. I’ll let people come to their own conclusions on those issues. One thing is for certain, they are beautiful, and they light up the night in all directions. It starts on December 28th with the occasional bang or pop in the night, and culminates in about two hours of non-stop unimaginable noise and light.
It’s scary. It’s beautiful. It’s one way of starting the New Year. So to everyone, beste wensen en een gelukkig nieuw jaar.
Comments:
Peter Simon:
On this, my first Dutch new year night I was reminded of Chinese fireworks. There they do the same on all great holidays, mostly at Chinese new year, Mid-Autumn festivals, at new year, dragon races, weddings, you name it. Very popular in both countries.
Kerry:
This is my 4th NYE here and I’m always astounded at the amount of fireworks. CRAZY!
sarah:
This is my second New Year here. Last year I was completely scared witless, but this year we watched the fireworks from the safety of our own home. A much safer bet for me. 🙂
I’ve also heard the Chinese New Year fireworks here in Amsterdam, but haven’t seen them myself yet. Last summer there was a lovely festival on the Nieuwmarkt with dancing and food to celebrate Chinese culture. It was a lot of fun!