On an ice-cold Saturday evening, it literally and figuratively became a bit warmer in Riel. Hundreds of people come to watch the annual Christmas tree burning. Young people immediately set out after Christmas to collect as many trees as possible. “We collected more than 120,” says one of the children, while the rest of his group stands proudly behind him.
The youth go through the village to collect Christmas trees and eventually the trees end up on the pyre. It has been a tradition in Riel for years, as Ruud van Alphen, chairman of the youth organization Joko, knows. “The Christmas tree burning used to be one of the most beautiful things of the year. Together with friends we would collect as many trees as possible, sometimes around a hundred.”
The chairman is pleased to see that the tradition is still widely supported among young people. “They are very enthusiastic,” says Ruud. “The children make it a competition together. Who has the most trees? This year there are almost 500 trees, so they have raised a lot.”
“It’s really cool to see all those trees on fire.”
One of those collectors is Finn. Together with his group, he accounts for almost a quarter of all Christmas trees. “We collected 124,” he says. According to the young Riele resident, it was a lot of fun to do.
“You go out with a whole group and take a tour through the village. If you see a Christmas tree on the street, you take it with you,” he says. A nice bonus is that the children can enjoy being outside. “It’s a lot more fun than just sitting on a screen.”
Yet it was also quite difficult at times. “One time we had a rope and we took the tree that way. Another time I did it by bicycle.” The trees are then collected in the front garden and taken to the right place on the day of the burning. “It’s really cool to see all those trees on fire,” adds a boy from Finn’s group.
A group of girls are standing just behind the ribbon looking at the sea of flames. “I think it’s really beautiful to see. More beautiful than I thought.” The friends have not all participated in the collection this year, but they already know what to expect next year. “If mom and dad let me, I will participate next year,” says one of the girls.
“This is just part of Riel.”
But it’s not just the children who enjoy the annual tradition. Adult residents of Rielen also go out en masse. “We have only lived in Riel for a few months. At first you think that there are not many events organized here, but this is fantastic,” says a man standing at the front enjoying the warmth.
It’s cold outside, but you can warm up well this way. He is supported by a couple who have lived in the village for much longer. “When you see how the whole village comes out for this, it’s great. It’s super connecting and this is just part of Riel.”
Christmas tree burnings in Brabant
Christmas tree burnings are a thing of the past in many places. The tradition has disappeared in many municipalities, partly because it is bad for the environment.
Christmas trees are still traditionally set on fire in only five places in Brabant. In two places in Oss, Bergeijk, Schijndel and therefore Riel.
This year, around 500 trees were collected and handed in in Riel and expertly set ablaze by the fire brigade. A small party is organized around the combustion, with good food, drinks and music.