On April 19, 2025, the traditional Easter fire was lit in the German border town of Bunde, marking a festive occasion that drew hundreds of visitors from both Germany and the Netherlands. The event kicked off at 4:30 PM with an egg hunt for children, creating an atmosphere of excitement and community spirit. As the sun began to set, a torchlight procession commenced at 6:00 PM, culminating in the lighting of the Easter bonfire at Boensterstraße.
The Easter pile, constructed from pruning wood and branches, was ignited amidst cheers from the crowd, with flames soaring several meters high, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The local fire department maintained a watchful eye on the festivities to ensure safety, but their presence was largely precautionary, as no incidents were reported.
This beloved tradition in Bunde is not just a local affair; it attracts attendees from neighboring regions, particularly from nearby Dutch towns. The proximity to the Netherlands adds to the event's charm, making it a cross-border celebration of Easter.
Meanwhile, in Velswijk, preparations for their own Easter fire were underway on the same day. Workers were putting the final touches on the event, which takes place at the intersection of Kruisbergseweg and Schooltinkweg, just outside Velswijk. Reports indicate that the event is sold out, highlighting the popularity of these traditional celebrations.
In contrast to Bunde's earlier festivities, the Easter fires in the Netherlands faced uncertainty this year due to concerns over increased risks of natural fires. In Noordlaren, a local village, the situation changed dramatically just days before their scheduled event. Initially, it seemed that the Easter fire would be canceled when the alarm phase for natural fires was raised. However, on the evening of April 17, 2025, the alarm phase was reduced, allowing the villagers to hold their bonfire.
Christina Wieland, a local resident, described the rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the decision: "It was first 'no,' and we said: it remains 'no.' Until we received a phone call on Thursday evening saying, 'You can go ahead if you want.' What do you do then?" The response was unanimous: the fire would go on as planned, much to the delight of the community.
Mark Wieland, another local, expressed his joy, stating, "It belongs to the village, and for the togetherness, it's really beautiful. What more could you want?" Preparations in Noordlaren included bringing in fresh wood for the pile, with local farmers using tractors to transport the materials. Mark noted the importance of safety, mentioning the wind direction and keeping residents informed.
The site in Noordlaren is set to open around 7:30 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, with the bonfire scheduled to be lit between 8:00 and 8:30 PM. This event promises to foster community spirit and celebration, similar to the festivities in Bunde and Velswijk.
As Easter approaches, these communal gatherings highlight the importance of tradition and togetherness in both German and Dutch cultures. Whether it's the dazzling flames of Bunde's bonfire, the sold-out event in Velswijk, or the last-minute preparations in Noordlaren, these celebrations serve as a reminder of the joy and unity that springtime festivities can bring.
