After two corona years, the ‘oldest summer tradition in Bergen’ can finally continue again tonight: Lichtjesavond. The Petrus en Pauluskerk, among others, is completely decorated with tea lights. On the other side of the Dorpsstraat, however, no lights are on: “It has been commercialized far too much.”
Owner of a pet store, Jan Ooijevaar and his wife Gerda, are not participating in the tradition this year ‘with a heavy heart’. “We have lived here for fifty years and have enjoyed participating all that time,” says Gerda.
“We have even won awards in the past for most beautiful lighting and most beautiful street,” she continues. “But in recent years it has unfortunately been more of a sales evening than a cozy village event.”
Now that Gerda and Jan no longer participate, the lights in their part of the street are completely extinguished. According to the two, a neighbor who participated fanatically every year no longer sees it for the same reason. “Commerce has won over tradition,” says Jan.
“The bright lighting of shops takes the atmosphere out of such a pleasant evening”
The shops are allowed to open until 23:00 and Jan explains that bright lighting comes from all those shops. “It takes the atmosphere out of a pleasant evening, which was once devised to thank tourists for their visit to our village.”
Extra push
In terms of organisation, it has been ‘let it run its course a bit’ this year, says Apotheker. “But if there is not enough enthusiasm, we will take action next year to give the event an extra push.”
“For years, the organization was very small-scale, but it has gradually been taken over by the middle class and cafes that benefit from it”
Because Lichtjesavond is important, he emphasizes. Apotheker heard from historian Frits David Zeiler that it has been around for almost a hundred years. Zeiler tells NH Nieuws: “It was to be organized for the first time in 1926. Only it could not take place at the time due to bad weather conditions.”
Whether it was overtaken later that year is not known, but it is clear that from 1927 it has been ‘celebrated practically every year’. “Except during the Second World War – then there was little to celebrate and the village was also largely evacuated – and of course the past two years,” says Zeiler.
Despite the corona crisis, there were a few enthusiasts with lights in Bergen last year. Watch the video below (text continues):
Still a few illuminated gardens, because evening of lights is a tradition – NH Nieuws
According to the historian, the Residents’ Association has ‘a great task’ to ‘excite the residents to organize and facilitate the weather more’. “And my advice is: talk about it with your neighbors and make your road the most beautiful road in Bergen.”
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According to Zeiler, the Peter and Paul Church has been the most beautifully illuminated for years to come. “That’s almost professional,” he says. For those who want to see it with their own eyes: you can do that again tonight.
During the day, about 1,400 jars are placed, so that they can burn in the evening. There will also be a performance by singer Marja Dignum and pianist Loes Meereboer from 9 p.m.
For those who want other musical entertainment, the Harmonieorkest will perform. DJs are also present, for example at Taverne. During the day Thank God it’s Lichtjesavond DJ Guido plays disco and funk. “Standing still is not an option for him,” says owner Steef van Leeuwen with a laugh.
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