Police ramp up presence for Sunneklaas festival after last year’s violence
Police are increasing their presence on the island of Ameland in preparation for the annual mysterious Sunneklaas festival, following last year’s violent incidents involving journalists. According to a spokesperson, the police have deployed additional personnel and riot control vehicles to the island “as a precaution” to ensure safety during the traditional two-day celebration, held around December 5.
Little is publicly known about the Sunneklaas festival, which is held annually on or around December 5. It is a longstanding tradition exclusive to Ameland. Men parade in costumes and masks through the villages, while women and children are expected to remain indoors. Outsiders are generally unwelcome, with violators sometimes chased off.
This year's heightened measures come after a 2023 incident in which journalists from the broadcaster PowNed were attacked upon arrival on the island to report on the event. Residents surrounded their car at the ferry dock, leading to a high-speed chase across the island. The journalists reported multiple attempts to block their vehicle, including ramming. Police intervened and relocated the group, but no arrests were made at the time.
This year, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has transported riot police vehicles to Ameland ahead of the festival. “We hope their use will not be necessary,” the police spokesperson said, emphasizing the goal of a peaceful celebration. “The additional deployment is intended to ensure the Sunneklaas celebration proceeds safely.”
While the police do not disclose specific operational details, they confirmed that more officers will be stationed on the island than during last year’s festival.
Following last year's violence, PowNed filed a formal complaint, accusing the police of negligence and delayed intervention. According to PowNed Chairman Dominique Weesie, direct communication with the justice minister was required before officers acted to ensure the crew's safety. The team ultimately spent the night on the island before being safely evacuated.
Documents obtained under the Open Government Act reveal that authorities anticipated conflict during last year’s Sunneklaas. The mayor, police, and Public Prosecution Service (OM) drafted an emergency order days before the event. Police added three officers to the island’s regular contingent, and officials discussed how to manage potential confrontations with PowNed journalists.
Authorities initially planned to advise the reporters to seek police guidance but noted they were “consciously seeking risk” and would ultimately be responsible for their own safety.
On the day of the incident, officers stationed near the ferry spoke with locals, who said they intended to explain the festival’s rules to outsiders. Police agreed to keep their distance but positioned themselves less than two minutes from the pier. Violence erupted as soon as the PowNed crew disembarked.
In internal evaluations, district police chief Janneke Bakker acknowledged that officers should have stayed closer to the ferry. “The officers did a good job considering the circumstances, but in retrospect, we should have been at the boat,” she said.
