Winter closing day in Antwerp: “It’s nice that the city is doing something in return, we already pay enough taxes” (Antwerp)
While supplies last
In contrast to the previous editions, no traditional New Year’s drink took place on the Scheldt quays this year. Instead of from 12 noon, Antwerp residents could collect ten tokens – each with a value of 1 euro – from various locations in the historic city center and that “as long as the stock quantity”. That stock must have been rather limited, because when we arrive in Antwerp at about 3 pm on Winter, all tokens have already been distributed.
Maria Van De Wijngaert (75) and Wendy Bruylants (47) from Leopoldsburg, the latter has a second residence in Antwerp, probably among the lucky ones who were able to get hold of tokens. “We were here very early. With the tokens we ate a waffle and bought a box of cookies, among other things.” Those were very cheap cookies then? “Uh no. We are at a second distribution point to get tickets again,” says Wendy. “You get a stamp, but that is of course quickly wiped off again. But we weren’t the only ones who were so smart! Anyway, for us this was one of the best editions so far, really nice.
Really on the right hand
A little further on the Steenplein we meet Ralf Bonickau (68), Rudy Van Wontergem (63), Christophe Bonickau (40), Birgit Van Wontergem (38) and Elysia Bonnefois (16) from Antwerp and Stekene. They are visible that it was possible to withdraw tokens twice. “Very punishment because they were quite strong. I offered my left hand because I am left-handed, but then I was not allowed. That stamp really had to be on the right hand. Finally, we are all happy that it worked out, because the delay was very long. But we persevered. In Antwerp you pay a lot of taxes so for that one time you get something back … ”
Christophe continues: “As big fans, we come to Winter in Antwerp with our grandparents every year, but this edition was different. Everyone used to come together on the quays, a bit like during Antwerp Zingt, while people now sat divided as it were. The atmosphere is a lot less. No, it’s not what it used to be. I have the impression that the city is trying to save as much as possible. In the past there was never a shortage of tokens. Anyway, we were able to buy the necessary pints and glühwein.”
Ice skating is fantastic
“We were here very early and wanted to get free tokens, but we couldn’t find the distribution points,” says Patricia Rysiewka (43) van het Kiel. She is here with her daughter Maja (9). They were able to catch Winter in Antwerp at the last minute. “We’ve been looking forward to it all year, normally we’re here almost every day, but three weeks ago we both have corona and we have to stay at home. Maja thought that was a shame because she absolutely wanted to go skating. Fortunately, that worked out successfully.” Maja: “And it was great!”
Frieda (79) and Roger (80) Hermans run a poulterer’s shop in the Abdijstraat. “Those free tokens, we don’t listen to them. We wanted to come earlier, but you understand that the end of the year period is always a very busy time for us. We can’t complain this year either. We are a bit tired now, but very happy. Finally we can get outside again and everything is nicely decorated here. And now we are going to eat fries.”
Rain and storm
As always, Winter in Antwerp had a lot of stalls where people could buy just about anything, from food and drinks to gifts. Some exhibitors state that the last week did not go so well. Björn Borremans runs the waffle and smoutebollen stall No Warm, No Wille on the Suikerrui: “The week after New Year’s is always a bit quieter, but I can’t complain. For me it was a successful edition, no worse than the years before. We will definitely come back next year.”
Serge Van Son beams. He sells mulled wine on the Grote Markt: “In the beginning it was very cold with rain and storms, but the weekends were always great. And the fact that the New Year’s message is running smoothly is a huge fact. Then they are also sold, so we don’t get most of our customers until around 6 pm. I think the complainers are mainly exhibitors who are here for the first time. They think -or hope- that it is full here every day. So that’s not right. in return, our turnover is less than in previous years. But that has everything to do with the inclement weather and nothing to do with the energy crisis. The restaurants are all packed.”
Genevers
The combination of sales – the clothing stores were open on Sunday – and Winter in Antwerp turned out to be an attractive combination for many visitors. For example, Julie Verbeeck from Merksem and Jane Hildes from Wilrijk (both 14) were already living it up. “And now we come here to walk around a bit and sing along with the Sing along from Joe FM. Soon we won’t be eating smoutebollen. A glass of mulled wine would also be nice,” says Jane. Julie: “But no, it contains alcohol!”
Glenn Kegels (30) and Jana Blaasveldt (31) from Schoten en Schilde have already reached their wits in recent years: “We just went shopping on the Meir and now we are going to drink the very last gins here. And we’re doing a good job,” laughs Glenn as he shows a stack of plastic shot glasses. About the free tokens: “Oh yes, they were only for Antwerp residents, not for the people of the parking lot. But now we’re going to sing!” (mibl)