A New Year's Eve Tradition
Bonfires and gatherings seem to go hand in hand wherever you may find yourself. Even just gathering around a small fire, it is all about coming together. Of course every nation and culture has it's own special version of joining together around a fire. It might be for the warmth the fire offers or simply the pleasant company that goes with it. Even so here in the Netherlands and to be more specific, here in The Hague we have our very own unique tradition.
At the end of every year there is battle between Scheveningen (The North Beach) and Duindorp (Zuiderstrand) for the claim to the title of 'highest bonfire in The Netherlands. During the five days between Christmas and New Year's both parties attempt to build the biggest and highest stack of pallets. On New Year's Eve the winner of the competition will be revealed by measuring which of the two stacks of palets deserves the victorya and claim to the title. Of course both stacks will subsequently be lighted and hundreds of people are gathered around these massive fires.
As will all traditions they came about many years ago. This particular tradition finds it's roots in the period after World War II, when youngsters crossed The Hague in search for Christmas trees to light up and build bonfires with.
For more history and how this tradition evolved (including the battle between the two neighbourghoods) click here.
At the end of every year there is battle between Scheveningen (The North Beach) and Duindorp (Zuiderstrand) for the claim to the title of 'highest bonfire in The Netherlands. During the five days between Christmas and New Year's both parties attempt to build the biggest and highest stack of pallets. On New Year's Eve the winner of the competition will be revealed by measuring which of the two stacks of palets deserves the victorya and claim to the title. Of course both stacks will subsequently be lighted and hundreds of people are gathered around these massive fires.
As will all traditions they came about many years ago. This particular tradition finds it's roots in the period after World War II, when youngsters crossed The Hague in search for Christmas trees to light up and build bonfires with.
For more history and how this tradition evolved (including the battle between the two neighbourghoods) click here.
RSS Feed
