A Party and a Present

2026 didn’t get off to a great start everywhere. With all that aggression and violence against emergency workers on the first night of the year.

Not in Apeldoorn, let me make that clear straight away. There were a few small fires here, and people were setting off illegal fireworks. The road surface has been damaged by all those firework pots on the street. It’s a shame – unnecessary and unsightly.
But there was no excessive violence. The police did not have to intervene on a large scale. What’s more, in many places it was a really great atmosphere! The three magnificent central fireworks displays were very well attended. And in many villages, neighbourhoods and districts, there were dozens of fireworks-free activities and parties. I am proud and pleased that everything went so well here.

Of course, there were still plenty of fireworks being set off. And for many people and animals, that is really very annoying and unpleasant. But it seems that in Apeldoorn, a different way of celebrating New Year’s Eve is also beginning to take shape. Something like that takes time; it takes years. We knew that when we introduced the ban on setting off fireworks. And now, five years on, we’re seeing that change gradually take hold.

From the coming New Year, fireworks may no longer be sold or set off anywhere in the Netherlands. They will only be permitted for use by and for professionals. This will also make it easier to monitor illegal possession and use of fireworks.
I think that in another five years’ time, New Year’s Eve will be a lot safer and more enjoyable across the whole country.

After just a few days in 2026, we were already treated to a little present: a white winter landscape! I know not everyone is keen on it. And that it leads to traffic jams, cancelled trains and other inconveniences.
But our grandson couldn’t have been happier. He was laughing his head off on his sledge. And his grandad was thoroughly enjoying it.

Ton Heerts