Paasvuren in Nederland: traditie met kinderen en wedstrijden

What are Dutch “paasvuren”?

Paasvuren (“Easter fires”) are a centuries-old Dutch rural tradition concentrated in Drenthe, Twente, the Achterhoek, and parts of Friesland. On Easter Sunday or Monday evening, villages build huge wooden bonfires, sometimes 20+ meters tall, and light them at dusk. Neighbouring villages compete informally for the biggest paasvuur, with construction starting weeks ahead. The tradition predates Dutch Christianisation: it traces to pre-Christian spring fires marking seasonal transition. Modern paasvuren are regulated by gemeente permits and weather conditions, but the village competition stays informal.

In this clip, news shows lighting day in Rentse Rolde: “Op verschillende plekken in het land zijn paasvuren aangestoken... vooral in het noorden en oosten van Nederland.”