Over the past couple of years, it seems as though people across the world have perhaps taken more joy in celebrations and festivities such as Christmas, Diwali, and New Year’s Eve. These special occasions give us an opportunity to celebrate, keep us grounded and bring us joy, but they can also draw big crowds and that’s something the municipality of Amsterdam has been worrying about.
In October the city announced that the use of fireworks would be banned except in official displays and that to compensate for this they would be organising more official fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve. However, things have changed since then. Rising Covid-19 cases and increased pressure on hospitals lead to the 3-week lockdown that started at the weekend, and it’s also led the city to cancel all large New Year’s Eve events this year.
Yes, that means no more fireworks displays. The countdown that usually takes place on Museumplein has also been cancelled and Amsterdammers will have to find a way to celebrate on a smaller scale, which should be possible. Those wishing to organise smaller scale celebrations will have to request a permit from the city before December 1.
Hopefully next year things will be brighter but this year we’ll have to be creative in our celebrations and welcome in the new year without a bang unless you’re planning to uncork a bottle of champagne. We’re sure that the resilient people of Amsterdam will still manage to have a good time, even without the big celebrations.