More than half a million people signed an online petition in Germany to ban fireworks during the end-of-year celebrations. The year 2024 ended with deaths due to improper use of fireworks in the European country, and the situation is worrying.
So far, five people have been reported dead and hundreds injured due to the use of fireworks. This figure is also accompanied by about 400 arrests.
The petition: signed to ban fireworks during celebrations in Germany
One of the seriously injured is a police officer from the city of Berlin. In response to this, the police union was the driving force behind an initiative seeking to limit the use of fireworks during festivities.
This is added to the violence suffered by officers from firecrackers, something that has become unsustainable, they believe.
Therefore, an online petition has been started, which has already been signed by more than 500,000 people. It consists of banning the private use of fireworks and replacing them with organized pyrotechnic events.
The craze for fireworks in Germany during the holidays
Apparently, the arrival of Christmas and New Year are, for the German people, not only times of celebration but also synonymous with fireworks.
According to the Pyrotechnic Industry Association, fireworks sales in Germany increased from 133 million euros in 2019 to 180 million euros in 2023.
That is, an increase of 35 million in just four years. For experts, this is not a coincidence but also responds to certain sociological and psychological factors.
Klaus Gotzen, from the Pyrotechnic Industry Association, explains: “If the ending year was not good, people put their hopes in the new year.” And that includes welcoming the new year “in style”.
In addition, other points can be added such as:
1- Political and social discontent:
Many are dissatisfied with the government, politics, the arrival of refugees, housing shortages, and inflation. Also, many people have work-related issues, and the rate of sick leave is higher than ever.
2- It is allowed:
In Germany, there are many regulations prohibiting noise and annoying situations. There are legally regulated rest periods, a ban on night flights, cutting or vacuuming the lawn, noisy gardening, among others. However, noise and fireworks are expressly allowed during these dates.
3- Part of the culture:
The custom and tradition of using fireworks date back to Germanic origins, where evil spirits and demons were driven away with loud noises at the turn of the year.
To protect themselves from evil spirits, houses and stables were fumigated with incense and a lot of noise was made the night before the new year began.
Do you already know our YouTube channel? Subscribe!
