New Year’s in the Netherlands
Signs of the end of 2020 have been appearing for weeks now; carts selling fried dough, mulled wine on tap, and the occasional boom of fireworks. December 31 is the culmination day that sends the old year off literally with a bang.
We first saw the red Olliebollen carts back in November. We did not know what they were selling or why. Since then, we have learned that olliebollen, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliebol, translated literally to oil balls, are the traditional new year’s treat which all Dutch eat to bid the old year goodbye. Also, since November, we have had a French bakery open on our corner and starting five days ago they too started selling olliebollen – we had to try them. The dough inside is light with bits of apple, raisins, and currents; the outside fried to a light crunch then dusted in powdered sugar. Yummy! But yesterday, December 31 was absolutely ‘get your olliebollen’ time. Socially distanced lines formed all over as Dutchies waited for their year-end treat.
Gluhwijn has also been on offer since November. https://expatexplore.com/blog/gluhwein-a-traditional-christmas-drink-of-europe/ In non-Covid lockdown times, this mulled wine would be available at the local winter fairs and Christmas markets; but, as we know these are all closed this year. So, in their place, several restaurants, which can only serve take-away, began including gluhwijn as an option. A lovely treat while out for a winter’s walk. Add the wine with the olliebollen and you have an incredibly special treat.
When we moved to Baltimore, we were astounded by the fireworks shows at Oregon Ridge Park. As folks from California, who witnessed Fourth of July displays over the Pacific Ocean, to see fireworks over trees was simply amazing. Then, we learn that here, in the Netherlands, personal fireworks are legal for 8 hours on New Year’s Eve (6pm until 2am) and can be purchased three days prior at sanctioned locations – of course, that is in non-Covid times, not this year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks_policy_in_the_Netherlands This year no place was sanctioned for selling them and there was a 100 Euro fine for lighting fireworks; but as you can see these rules did not stop them from going off. From our apartment we could not see any display, only hear the pop-pop-pop ongoing until well past 2:00 in the morning. Pictures below are from the Internet.
With that, it is now 2021. It feels like the world is sighing in relief to have 2020 behind us – finally. We too are ready to look forward; forward to eating at restaurants (even if outside), forward to travel again, and forward to actual hugs with family and friends, old and new.
Air hugs from Holland! And Happy New Year!
No more red carts till next November.
I’m sure Andy was disappointed not to have a chance to create his own fireworks display. Maybe next year. I’m glad you are getting to see the Dutch traditions even if they are modified in 2020/21. Having a French bakery on the corner sounds wonderful. You might just have to take longer walks! Pan au chocolat is good at any time of the day! Happy New Year from the 21136!
Thanks, Jonathan.
The bakery is just a problem – in all the best ways. 🙂 Super friendly folks, great brown sourdough bread, and beautiful treats. In a few weeks they are expanding to offer breakfast and lunch items. I know, I will have to walk the whole canal circle to come back within 30 feet of our own door before seeing what the special of the day might be. 🙂
Happy new year,
L