Have you ever experienced a New Year’s without fireworks? Yep, that might seem impossible to most people in the Netherlands — but not much longer.
In Utrecht, a citizen’s assembly has come up with new ways to welcome the new year, and the municipality has listened.
Out with the old, in with the new
If you’re used to Dutch New Year’s Eve leaving you with a ringing in your ears until about mid-February, spending the holiday in Utrecht this year might take you by surprise.
As RTV Utrecht reports, the city isn’t including any fireworks in its Oud en nieuw celebrations this year. Instead, they’ve adopted the advice of a citizen’s assembly on which new traditions should be implemented.
READ MORE | New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands: traditions in Amsterdam and beyond
And what will this new era bring to Utrecht? Blasphemy allegations by a large chunk of Dutch society, probably. 🤭
But also DJ performances at the Jaarbeursplein, a countdown to 2025 and a light show. The city will also have earlier programmes for children and teens, with indoor gaming events and an earlier countdown.
Utrecht’s new and improved New Year’s is supposed to be friendlier to people, animals, and the environment (although it might devastate some 13-year-olds).
Getting the community involved
“Changing traditions takes time,” says Utrecht alderman Eva Oosters, but so far, the citizens have been very involved in contributing with their ideas.
READ MORE | The New Year’s Dive at Scheveningen: How the Dutch start their year (well, the crazy ones)
Besides influencing the main celebration, they can submit ideas for other neighbourhood initiatives to take place on December 31.
Examples include sports competitions, a winter street bingo, and (keeping with the theme of trying to make less noise) a silent street disco. 🕺
Are fireworks a New Year’s essential or just unnecessarily risky? Let us know in the comments!