New Year's Eve(除夕) 在 🇳🇱 荷兰

Oudejaarsavond in the Netherlands is one of Europe's most explosive celebrations in the literal sense. The Dutch spend a staggering amount on consumer fireworks, and at midnight the country transforms into a smoky, thundering spectacle. Major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague light up with both official displays and millions of euros worth of privately purchased rockets and firecrackers.

Oliebollen are the undisputed food of Dutch New Year's Eve. These deep-fried dough balls, dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes filled with raisins, currants, or apple, are sold from dedicated oliebollenkramen (street stalls) that pop up across the country from mid-December. It is estimated that the Dutch consume tens of millions of oliebollen during the season.

Many Dutch families spend the evening together watching the Oudejaarsconference, a televised one-person comedy show that satirizes the year's events. This tradition, unique to the Netherlands, is performed by a different comedian each year and regularly draws millions of viewers.

At midnight, neighbours pour into the streets to set off fireworks, share champagne, and wish each other 'Gelukkig Nieuwjaar.' The atmosphere is chaotic and joyful. In Amsterdam, the Museumplein and Dam Square are popular gathering spots, though many Amsterdammers prefer neighbourhood celebrations on their own streets.

The last day of the Gregorian calendar year, celebrated worldwide with countdown parties, fireworks, and midnight toasts welcoming the new year.