The worst night of the year has now truly started. The dogs are terrified and barking unless we constantly distract them. My ears are ringing from the barking. The air outside is barely breathable (we do have air filters, fortunately).
Yes, as usual, the 1/3rd of the Dutch population who think it's "gezellig" to set off one explosive after another for hour after hour, and set fire to things (cars, the neighbour's shed, piles of rubbish etc.), are wrecking the evening for everyone else.
Numerous news reports about homes being raided because of thousands of kg of fireworks are stored in them, and dozens of homes having to be evacuated because their neighbours had created such a dangerous situation with their fireworks. Also lots of reports of how they're keeping the health service busy. The damage each year runs into many millions of euros.
It's truly sad that it's not possible to simply enjoy New Year's Eve in the Netherlands without other people ruining the experience. Hopefully next year when they are totally banned there really will be fewer fireworks.
#vuurwerk #fireworks #oudennieuw #newyears2026 #vuurwerkverbod
