Carbide shooting becomes intangible heritage. Next Friday, UNESCO in Kampen will sign a document that will put this old tradition on a protected list. In the Zaan region it used to be a lively tradition, especially in Assendelft. Dennis van der Meer picked up his passion there and now continues it in his new hometown of Krommenie. “It’s wonderful when people see how beautiful this tradition is. Literally shooting New Year’s Eve away with a huge bang.”
Carbide shooting, or milk can shooting, is mainly poplar in the east of the Netherlands. While sitting on a milk churn, the carbide is ignited so that the lid is shot into the distance with enormous force.
In Drenthe they do it with a football instead of a lid. Dennis uses a buoy. “That’s safer and you shoot the buoy up. My daughters also love doing it.” The only thing you have to pay attention to is that you don’t get the buoy on your head.
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It is unclear whether carbide shooting is permitted. “Some municipalities have banned it since the corona period, but I cannot find a legal basis anywhere,” says Dennis.
Now that it will become part of the intangible heritage, Dennis says it will at least be tolerated. “One day a year should be possible. It’s great fun to do.”