In Germany and Italy, unique traditions were celebrated to welcome the year 2025, with daring swimming and diving events taking center stage. While some people prefer to recover from New Year’s festivities at home, others opt for a more adventurous start to the year.
In Berlin, members of the Berlin Seals club embraced the annual tradition of ice bathing to kick off the new year. Despite the chilly water temperature of 6°C and an outside temperature of 4°C, swimmers joyfully splashed around and danced in the icy water. Harold Kraft, a member of the Berlin Seals, highlighted that the tradition is not only fun and refreshing but also an integral part of starting the new year on a positive note.
Meanwhile, in Italy, a longstanding tradition dating back to 1946 continued as three men dived into the Tiber River from Rome’s Cavour Bridge. Lead diver Maurizio Palmulli, also known as ‘Mr. Ok,’ passed the torch to fellow diver Marco Fois, officially announcing his retirement from the tradition. Fois, along with two other divers, performed spectacular jumps into the river, where they were then rescued by a team of firefighters on a dinghy boat stationed under the bridge.
In the Netherlands, the Scheveningen beach in The Hague typically hosts a popular New Year’s Dive that attracts around 10,000 participants each year. However, this year’s event had to be cancelled due to strong winds, marking only the second time in its history that the dive had been cancelled. The last cancellation occurred in 2007 for the same reason, highlighting the importance of safety considerations in these exhilarating traditions.
Despite challenges and cancellations, these unique New Year traditions in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands showcase the spirit of adventure and community that marks the beginning of each year. Whether braving icy waters in Berlin, diving into the Tiber River in Rome, or taking a dip in the North Sea in The Hague, participants demonstrate resilience and enthusiasm in embracing the new year with a sense of excitement and camaraderie.
As countries around the world welcome the new year in their own unique ways, traditions like ice bathing, high bridge diving, and mass beach dives serve as reminders of the diversity and creativity that mark global celebrations. While each tradition may have its own challenges and risks, the sense of unity and shared experience that they bring to participants creates lasting memories and a sense of connection that transcends borders and cultures. So, whether you prefer a cozy day at home or a daring plunge into icy waters, the start of a new year offers endless possibilities for new beginnings and shared experiences.
