https://www.rtl.lu/news/national/a/1444160.htmlThe traditional New Year's Eve fireworks celebrations are known to divide opinions, between those who enjoy the light shows, and those who are concerned with their pets' wellbeing, as well as the environmental impact.
Breakdown of fireworks bans for this year's celebrationsDifferent municipalities across Luxembourg handle the topic of fireworks very differently. Some areas have no limitations for the use of personal firework displays, while others have partially or completely banned them. This year's weather forecast means it is unlikely the smoke will disperse quickly, as conditions are expected to be damp, cold, with little wind and no rain.
In recent years, sales of fireworks have dropped in Luxembourg. Christopher Probst of the Cactus supermarket chain ascribed this to a number of factors, citing awareness of the dangers to animals and the environment as a key reason for the decline. He also pointed at firework bans or restrictions put in place by local councils as another factor in the low sales.
Opinion - Martin Jonsson: Less pop, more fizz - it's time to move on from fireworksThe municipality of Contern has banned all fireworks for the first time this year, due to a number of incidents in recent years despite official time restrictions. The mayor of Contern, Marion Zovilé-Braquet, explained that the noise and mess created by fireworks was part of the reason for the ban, as well as an unsanctioned display in a local park which lasted for roughly three hours, provoking a number of complaints.
In Mamer, fireworks are allowed for the duration of an hour, from 11.30pm to 12.30am, largely because local residents are known to observe the restrictions and also clean up afterwards, according to mayor Gilles Roth.
It will become more difficult to obtain fireworks in Luxembourg over the coming years, as Cactus has announced they will cease sales of pyrotechnical products from 2020 onward, as the products no longer conform to the supermarket chain's sustainability policies.
