The annual Dutch tradition of carbidschieten, where celebrants blast off carbid-filled devices to ring out the old year, is set to continue this New Year’s Eve across various municipalities.
On December 31, 2024, areas such as Borger-Odoorn, Stadskanaal, Veendam, Rheden, Emmen, Barneveld, and Zeewolde will host designated shooting locations where enthusiasts can participate legally and safely.
Municipalities have issued permits for these events, ensuring they comply with local regulations. For example, the municipality of Stadskanaal has approved several locations including Alteveer, Musselkanaal, and Vledderveen. Each site is marked for specific time slots, usually from late morning to early evening. Rheden, another area embracing the tradition, will allow shooting at three specific sites—De Steeg, Ellecom, and Spankeren—within carefully monitored time frames.
Local safety regulations play a significant role in ensuring these events proceed without incident. According to local rules, only approved carbid or milk cans can be used for shooting, with restrictions on gas bottles to avoid potential hazards. Rheden officials have emphasized, "Only approved milk or carbid cans may be used," hinting at the thorough oversight of these traditions.
Ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators is of utmost importance. Local authorities mandate considerable distances between the shooting sites and nearby residential areas, which varies depending on the number of canisters used, providing specific measures to mitigate noise and risk. Safety practices encourage sufficient spacing between shooters and other bystanders, as noted by Rheden regulations calling for "sufficient distance from onlookers, homes, and roads." Protective gear such as safety glasses and ear protection is also recommended to safeguard participants.
This year, carbidschieten enjoys some controversy but also enthusiastic backing. The spokesperson for Barneveld municipality remarked, "Last year there were 33 approved permits, so the number has remained relatively stable," indicating strong community support for the event. While some municipalities report slight declines in permit requests this year, others report stable or even increasing participant interest.
Particularly noteworthy is the case of Emmen, where local residents challenged the legality of their designated carbidschieten locations. Marc Slagter, spokesperson for Emmen municipality, shared, "The judge sees no grounds for prohibiting carbidschieten this year," underscoring the legal and demographic backing underpinning these shooting events. This ruling allowed carbidschieten to continue, reflecting the community’s desire to celebrate New Year’s Eve with traditional flair.
Daniël Latour, of the Carbidteam Noordbarge, expressed optimism over the continuation of this beloved activity, stating, "We have adhered to all the rules and regulations for years." Their event, anticipated to draw about 150 attendees, will be professionally managed and supervised to maintain safety and compliance.
Each municipality has implemented unique guidelines based on local traditions and safety concerns. For example, Zeewolde allows carbidschieten only at designated sites near the ferry and within specific hours, pending registration and approval. Such regulations aim to facilitate safe celebrations and minimize disturbance to the local community from noise and crowds.
Despite the differences, the spirit remains the same. Carbidschieten symbolizes more than just noise; it is about camaraderie, the thrill of traditional customs, and coming together to celebrate the end of the year. The continued enforcement of safety measures showcases how towns are developing dynamic ways to preserve tradition amid modern concerns.
On the eve of 2024, as citizens prepare for carbidschieten festivities, it seems the tradition persists as one of the most anticipated elements of Dutch New Year's celebrations—a raucous farewell to the year gone by and hope for a prosperous new one to come.