The rainy forecast didn't appear to dampen sprits on Sunday, as Brussels' annual fireworks display outside the Royal Palace attracted some 55,000 visitors, according to BRUZZ.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Tens of thousands of Brussels residents braved the terrible weather to celebrate the transition into 2024.
While 55,000 people gathered to watch the display at midnight, the police counted some 100,000 people who descended on Brussels' city centre over the course of Sunday night.
There were also around 30,000 attendees at the FCKNYE festival at Brussels Expo.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
There had been fears of a turbulent night with heavy riots, but these largely did not occur.
Still, things got out of hand in some places: the police made 206 arrests on New Year's Eve, most of which were violations on the ban on the possession, transport and use of fireworks in public spaces over the festive period. Brussels Prime Minister Rudi Vervoort signed a decree to impose this ban from 15 December to 3 January on Monday 11 December.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
"Despite all prevention campaigns, people still use dangerous fireworks and forget that these are explosives, resulting in tragic accidents," Brussels fire brigade spokesperson, Walter Derieuw, lamented.
"Our personnel got through this turbulent night with no physical injuries. Three firefighters did suffer from tinnitus due to the explosion of heavy firecrackers."
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
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Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
