A New Year's Eve 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.