Colorful New Year’s dive in Ostend with more than 3,000 ‘polar bears’

More than 3,000 people came to Ostend to dive into the sea together. In accordance with years of tradition, thousands of ‘polar bears’, dressed in colorful carnival wigs and other accessories, defy the icy seawater. With the necessary fringe animation, the muscles warmed up to run into the sea after the countdown.

The divers are lucky with the mild winter. The coastal weather report speaks of ten degrees for the beach water, just the same temperature as on the beach.

Successful Christmas holiday

Ostend was able to enjoy a successful Christmas holiday prior to the New Year’s Dive. With more than 30,000 skaters at Winter in the Park and an increase in the number of visitors, the city looks back with satisfaction. The extensive range of winter events, such as Christmas Village, Santa’s House and Christmas Tree Maze, clearly met with enthusiasm. The New Year’s Dive was therefore a nice conclusion to the holiday for the city.