What binds men in the Netherlands together? Regardless of background, culture or class, it’s that time of year when the usually placid Dutch lions, regress into cavemen and gather around devices that flame, hiss, whizz and bang and say fire!
Whether aged 14 or 54, there seems to be a universal obsession with fireworks in this country. Watching the news just now, reports are already coming in of people who’ve lost fingers, injured eyes, and even worse a cat that had a lit firework stuck up its bum and exploded, unbelievable.
When out and about today in the Netherlands, watch out for idiots throwing fireworks around. Have a fun and safe happy new year.
The majority may be against it, but since 2pm the neighborhood where I live (Oud West) sounds like WWII at its peak… I don’t even want to think about midnight…
Apparently, public opinion is changing and now the majority is against it. There are plans to tightly regulate it and maybe even ban it in the future.
Thanks Andreea, same to you.
Haha! It is absolutely true what you’re saying here. It is the first time for me when I chosed to spend the New Year’s Eve in the NL and I find it a bit unsafe. We just have to adapt to their habits, whether it’s part of the culture or not. Happy new year, Simon!