You might not be ready to believe that a new year is only a few short weeks away, but it remains true: 2022 has flown by, and 2023 is right around the corner. As the festive season approaches, cities and municipalities across the Netherlands are preparing for their New Year’s celebrations - although in some parts of the country, New Year’s Eve will look a little different this year, as 12 municipalities have taken the decision to introduce a ban on the sale and personal use of fireworks.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Haarlem ban at-home fireworks
A study conducted by NOS found that 12 municipalities - including five key Dutch cities - have implemented a fireworks ban this New Year’s Eve. The decision comes after two years in which the Dutch government opted to ban fireworks as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and to limit the pressure placed on hospitals and healthcare staff by infections and injuries related to at-home fireworks.
While the national ban won’t be in effect this year, the municipalities of Schiedam, Bloemendaal, Heemstede, Heumen, Mook en Middelaar, Soest, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Apeldoorn, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Nijmegen, and Haarlem have all implemented their own ban. Meanwhile, Arnhem and Eindhoven have already confirmed their ban will come into effect in 2023.
Fireworks led to 10 million euros of damage in the Netherlands last year
According to NOS, these municipalities believe the “disturbance, material damage, injury, and environmental pollution is disproportionately great.” In spite of the national ban, last year Dutch insurance companies revealed that fireworks on New Year's Eve had led to 10 million euros worth of damage.
Instead of permitting the sale and personal use of fireworks, cities are arranging their own celebrations and fireworks shows for locals and tourists to enjoy on New Year’s Eve.