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Annual singing

atmospheric ending

Borkum says goodbye to the old year

Whether fireworks, lead pouring or sparklers: There are many customs on New Year's Eve. This is also the case on the North Sea island Borkum a very special tradition has been established to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one: the Olljahrssingen (Old Year's Singing). This is a kind of farewell concert for which Borkumhe come together in the heart of the island.

In the past, the traditional annual singing of the BorkumThe choirs gathered in front of the town hall. At exactly midnight, they sang a folk song or two together. But over the years, fireworks and firecrackers increasingly interfered with the singing. So, the midnight tradition was eventually abandoned.

For several years now, the islanders have been meeting under the trees of the primary school playground – bathed in the light of numerous torches. The men's choir of the association Borkumthe boys performs some songs and dance couples from the traditional costume group present historical costumes.

The atmospheric conclusion also provides the framework for a speech by the mayor, who addresses the islanders for the last time this year, reviews the past months and looks ahead.

Pink fireworks at Nordbad at Borkum
Fireworks on the promenade Borkum