Last New Year's Eve fireworks in the Netherlands: Crowds for firecrackers increase!

Last New Year's Eve fireworks in the Netherlands: Crowds for firecrackers increase!

As soon as the last shreds of New Year's Eve hang in the air, there are already heated discussions about the fireworks. Especially our neighbors in the Netherlands send a clear message: starting next year, New Year's Eve fireworks will no longer be sold there. This decision has divided opinion - around 35 percent of the Dutch are against the planned ban on firecrackers, but the majority see the necessity of such a step.

Why this change? The reasons are varied. In recent years, the number of serious injuries and fires caused by fireworks has increased alarmingly. The attacks on the police and fire departments on New Year's Eve in particular sparked the debate. A ban has been discussed for around 15 years, a development that gained new momentum during the corona pandemic. The ban on private fireworks displays at New Year's Day led to an encouraging decline in injuries and incidents.

The last chance for New Year's Eve friends

So this year it is *still* possible to buy and set off New Year's Eve fireworks from private individuals - a final opportunity that many will grab with both hands. Manufacturers are already looking at how they can get the most out of this *farewell*. After all, record sales of around 197 million euros were recorded at the turn of the year. WDR also reports that in the Netherlands, fireworks can only be used legally on December 31st from 6:00 p.m. to January 1st at 2:00 a.m., while many municipalities are already restricting or foregoing fireworks altogether.

But what about our neighboring country Germany? A ban on firecrackers is also being considered here, especially by doctors and animal rights activists. The alarming number of injuries on New Year's Eve - at least five people even lost their lives - and the traumatization of pets by loud banging noises speak for themselves. A ban could not only reduce noise, but also curb fine dust pollution and meet health and environmental requirements.

The current legal situation

Currently, in Germany, New Year's Eve rockets and firecrackers can only be sold on the last three shopping days of the year. The fireworks fall into various categories, including category F2 - the typical New Year's Eve fireworks display for outdoor use. How daily news As explained, this can only be sold to adults and can only be lit between December 29th and 31st, although there are exceptions for certain locations.

When and whether a complete ban on firecrackers will actually be implemented remains to be seen. Such regulations always involve a certain amount of legal effort and could possibly also be passed through the Federal Constitutional Court. However, the discussion shows that society is increasingly willing to think about the risks and side effects of fireworks.

One goal is clear: to protect the safety and health of citizens while New Year's Eve remains a festive event. So in the new year do we have to say goodbye to a custom that characterizes many celebrations? Opinions are divided, but one thing is clear: the discussion about a possible ban on firecrackers will still be very lively in 2025.