by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 01/13/2012 1:31 PM | Updated as of 01/13/2012 1:31 PM
THE HAGUE - Thousands flocked to the annual New Year’s Dive in The Netherlands, the biggest of which took place in Scheveningen in The Hague.
January 1 always comes in the peak of European winter but on 12:00 p.m. every New Year’s Day, the abandoned beaches in Holland become jam-packed with people wearing orange bonnets and gloves or funny costumes.
For more than 5 decades now, the normally quiet beaches are transformed into a two-hour summer resort with huge crowds stripping to their swimsuits on New Year's Day.
This year, around 27,000 people participated around the country. Some 10,000 people rushed to dip, dive or swim in the very cold water of Scheveningen.
Even if the temperature was enough to cause goosebumps, many of the first-timers this year were very young people.
This year, the event was also more organized with a huge tent where many of the swimmers could dress and undress.
Many of the Dutch joined the annual Crazy Sea Dip for the fun of it and as a continuation of the New Year’s celebration.
“Life is fun, you have the birth and then you die but between it is only fun. Say it to the world, only fun,” said a Dutch guy who did not want to give his name.
But the light-hearted Dutch tradition became more meaningful to two Pinoy best friends, who pledged to swim together every New Year in Scheveningen.
“It's a bit symbolic. You starting the year off new and fresh. Give it a boost, give yourself a kick start for the New Year,” said Joshua Gonzales from London.
Gonzales joined the New Year’s Dive six years ago when he was still living in The Hague.
He later succeeded in convincing his friend Paulo Tomas to join him. Gonzales now returns to The Hague during the Christmas holidays to keep this tradition.
“Gives you a lot of confidence to start 2012 with a good feeling,” said Tomas, who participated in the New Year's Dive for the third year in the row.
Many follow this Dutch tradition not only for the fun but also to attract good luck and good health that they believe the New Year will bring.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/01/13/12/thousands-join-%E2%80%98crazy-dutch%E2%80%99-new-year-tradition
