The Netherlands is gearing up for New Year’s Eve festivities with significant changes on two fronts: the rise of oliebollen stalls and the anticipated weather conditions. According to recent data from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), there’s been a remarkable 38% increase in the number of oliebollen stalls across the country since 2013, reflecting shifting consumer habits and the resilient spirit of local vendors.
Back in 2013, there were only 307 registered companies operating these traditional Dutch snack stalls. Fast forward to today, and the number has surged to 425. Atze Lubach-Koers, chairman of the Nationale Bond van Kermisbedrijfhouders (BOVAK), which advocates for fairground operators, observes, “I think the coronavirus pandemic contributed to this increase. We were at standstill at the time but were allowed by municipalities to operate oliebollen stalls.” According to estimates, there are around 1,200 such vendors across the country.
The trend has been particularly prominent in the provinces of Gelderland and Noord-Brabant, where many stall owners reside. For example, Gelderland saw the number of oliebollen stalls rise from 80 to 105 over the years. Lubach-Koers notes, “Fairground operators often live in Apeldoorn, which is centrally located.” The data compiled by KvK suggests the potential for even higher numbers, as many operators also manage other fairground attractions.
Meanwhile, as these festive stalls pop up, the weather forecast for New Year’s Eve is far less cheerful. December has been described as particularly dismal, with the sun only appearing for 27 hours throughout the month, less than half of the average 58 hours. According to the Dutch meteorological office KNMI, rain, strong winds, and persistent cloud cover are expected on the night of December 31st.
Forecasters predict only about 10% chance of sunshine through the end of the month, and conditions are expected to worsen on New Year’s Eve. WeerOnline warns, “But for fireworks enthusiasts, the prospects look anything but favorable.” Strong wind gusts reaching up to 29 kilometers per hour are possible, especially near the North Sea coast, making traditional fireworks displays potentially hazardous.
Historically, cloud cover is typical during December due to colder air trapping water vapor and forming clouds. The sun has not shone from December 9 to 19, marking the first time since 1990 there has been such extended gloom. The conditions are likely to influence holiday spirits, with many hopeful for clearer skies as winter progresses. The sun's exposure is expected to improve slightly as January approaches, but early predictions suggest two consecutive days of rainfall on New Year’s Day and January 2nd.
Adding to the festivities are the changing regulations surrounding fireworks. This New Year’s Eve, 19 municipalities have enforced fireworks bans, restricting personal use of fireworks to only officially organized displays. This marks growth from 16 municipalities last year, with Alkmaar, Utrecht, and Zutphen implementing total bans across their cities.
The change reflects growing safety concerns, especially around the use of more dangerous firework categories. Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel emphasized, “What we are now seeing are not firework incidents anymore. The power of these explosives is comparable to hand grenades.” Any possession of high-powered fireworks without permits could lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Despite these restrictions, online fireworks sales have surged by 15%, attributing to the frustrations of avid celebrators seeking alternative ways to enjoy the holiday spirit. With over 8 million euros worth of property damage recorded last year from New Year’s Eve fireworks, authorities are taking considerable action to mitigate risks this year.
Whether through the sweet taste of oliebollen—a traditional Christmas and New Year’s pastry—or the vibrant but hazardous displays of fireworks, the Dutch celebration remains as spirited as ever, albeit under challenging circumstances this year. Vendors across the nation are banking on holiday shoppers flocking to their stalls, even as the weather looms heavily over the festive atmosphere.
Historically, oliebollen holds not just culinary significance, but it embodies the spirit of community as families gather to celebrate the end of the year. Vendors such as Lubach-Koers remain optimistic, believing this resurgence of traditional stalls marks resilience against adversity and is emblematic of Dutch culture.
