“With every bang a tenner goes into the air, but it is the last time, so let’s move on,” laughs Esther from Zwolle. This week, she and her son Joep drove to Baarle-Hertog, the Belgian part of Baarle-Nassau in Brabant, to buy fireworks. In the Netherlands, lighting will no longer be allowed from next year, so many people will go all out again next New Year. It is already pleasantly busy in the fireworks shops, but there was no peak pressure on Wednesday.
Above the rivers the children still have their autumn holidays, and that is noticeable. The fireworks shops in the Belgian enclave of Baarle-Hertog are mainly visited by non-Brabanders. “I just got some Thunderkings and a few nitrate blasters,” says Manuel (17) from Heerde with a smile. “Lost eight bucks, but hey, that’s part of it.”
His father understands it and is even willing to take a two-hour car ride for it. “I used to be like that too,” he says. “And I think it’s a shame that it will no longer be allowed from next year onwards. It feels as if we are handing over a piece of Dutch culture. And then a few hundred meters further on in Belgium it is still allowed. That’s strange!”
“Just back to Belgium next year.”
At another fireworks store, a van filled to the brim with boxes of fireworks is unloaded. Apparently sales are going fast, because some products are already (temporarily) sold out. People do not want to comment, “Because we are always portrayed negatively.” And taking photos is absolutely forbidden.
Finne (11) from Rotterdam has no problem with any of that. He is beaming and enjoying this day. “I like fireworks because they’re just fun,” he says. His father Björn adds: “If it is the last time they can have a blast, then I wish them that.”
Mother Esther from Zwolle thinks the same way. “I’m actually not a fan of blowing money into the air,” she says. “But it’s the last time, so let’s move on.” Son Joep looks proudly at his bag full of jars of fireworks. “I think it’s a shame that it’s ending, but I also understand it for the animals and the environment,” he says.
“One more fireworks for the feeling.”
The Dutch government has decided that from 2027 decorative fireworks will also be banned for private individuals. Only sparklers and fountains may then be lit. A blow for enthusiasts, but not everyone will let it stop them.
A man from Rotterdam, who has just spent two hundred euros, says with a wink: “We’ll just carry on. Then we’ll just buy it again here in Belgium next year.” His buddy adds: “Nothing will be allowed in the Netherlands anymore, but then the money will just cross the border.”
“It’s a tradition,” says mother Esther as she loads her car with boxes of fireworks. “We are careful, set it off in a meadow and not in the street. But after this year it has been nice. One more fireworks, for the feeling.”
Fireworks ban
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have the initiative law Have a safe New Year’s Eve adopted by members of the House of Representatives. The fireworks ban for consumers is expected to come into effect at New Year’s Eve 2026/2027.
In Belgium you can buy fireworks all year round, while in the Netherlands this is limited to a few days. Belgian fireworks are generally more powerful due to more powder weight and the use of flash powder, and have louder explosions. Possession and distribution of some products is illegal in the Netherlands.