NEW YEAR’S NIGHT IS TRADITIONALLY ACCOMPANIED BY THE EXPLOSION OF FIREWORKS AND BARRELS, A FASCINATING BUT CONTROVERSIAL CUSTOM. A SURVEY BY LAV, THE ANTI-VIVISECTION LEAGUE, CARRIED OUT WITH DOXA, REVEALS THAT 94% OF ITALIANS ARE AGAINST THIS PRACTICE. IN FACT, MORE AND MORE CITIES ARE ADOPTING MEASURES TO BAN THEM, PROMPTED BY THE GROWING CALLS TO PROTECT SAFETY, ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE CAMPAIGN IS INCLUDED IN THIS CONTEXT #BASTABOTTIPROMOTED BY LAV, WHICH POSES ITSELF AS A STRONG AND DETERMINED VOICE IN REQUESTING A CHANGE OF COURSE. BUT WHERE DOES THIS CUSTOM ORIGINATE FROM AND WHAT RISKS DOES IT REALLY HIDE?
Origins of New Year’s Eve bangs
The tradition of New Year’s celebrations has its roots in ancient times and is linked to ritual practices, popular beliefs and symbolisms that vary between cultures and historical eras.
The origin of this custom lies in ancient China, where the discovery of gunpowder, which occurred around the 9th century, in the imperial era, more precisely during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), led to the creation of rudimentary fireworks. These tools were not initially intended for aesthetic purposes, but as a means to ward off evil spirits, ward off bad luck, and ensure prosperity. The roar of explosions and sudden light were considered effective weapons against dark forces, according to the Chinese cosmic vision that intertwined spiritual and natural elements.
From here, the use of fireworks slowly spread to other parts of the world, reaching Europe around the 13th century, probably thanks to trade along the Silk Road. In the Old Continent, fireworks took on a dual meaning: on the one hand, they remained a symbol of purification and good omen, on the other they became spectacular instruments of celebration, used to highlight solemn moments, religious festivals and military victories. In the Renaissance, Italy became a major center for pyrotechnic production and art, perfecting the technique and bringing it to a unique artistic level.
From transition rite to problematic custom
Over time, the year-end celebrations have consolidated their association with the transition from the old to the new, a transition rite full of hope for the future. The thunderous noise and bright sparks evoked the idea of leaving the past year behind, with its difficulties and negativity, welcoming with optimism what was beginning. Their diffusion in New Year’s celebrations took root especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, when urbanization and technological progress made them more accessible.
Despite the charm and spectacularity that distinguish them, bangs and fireworks are not free from criticism and problems. Already in past centuries, accidents related to their use were reported, as were concerns related to the risk of fires. Today, in addition to causing injuries, the practice of banging is the subject of growing controversy due to its environmental impact and the damage caused to animals.
A war bulletin
Every year, New Year’s Eve leaves behind a dramatic toll that, on January 1st, resembles a war bulletin. During the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations, 274 injuries were counted in Italy (an increase of 52% compared to 2023).
Among these, 64 were minors, some of whom suffered serious injuries, such as deep burns and amputations. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of extreme cases, where the reckless use of illegal fireworks has caused fatalities.
The repercussions, however, do not only affect people. Animals, domestic and wild, are among the most vulnerable.
Animals: the invisible victims of the celebrations
While for humans New Year’s Eve riots represent a safety risk, for animals they turn into a real condemnation. According to LAV estimates, every year thousands of dogs, cats and wild birds lose their lives due to explosions. The sudden and deafening roar of fireworks generates in them a state of extreme panic, with often lethal consequences.
During the celebrations, 45% of dogs and 35% of cats show symptoms of severe stress, which translate into uncontrolled behavior, tremors, hyperventilation or desperate attempts to escape. Often, terrified pets run away from their homes, ending up getting lost or becoming victims of accidents, such as being hit by cars. This trauma not only endangers their physical safety, but leaves emotional scars that can last over time, fueling chronic states of anxiety.
To confirm this, a study byUniversity of Pisaaccording to which 90% of dogs show signs of discomfort during noisy celebrations. For wild birds, the situation is even more dramatic. The explosions force them to abandon their night dormitories in terror, pushing them into disorderly and frenetic flights.
This reaction exposes them to enormous risks: many crash into buildings, electrical cables or other structures, while others die of exhaustion from the energy expended trying to escape. The darkness and lack of orientation amplify the danger, making escape a fatal trap. But the risks also extend to the environment.
The environmental impact
During the New Year celebrations, tons of fine dust and toxic chemicals are released into the atmosphere, including nitrates, perchlorates and heavy metals such as leadcopper and barium. These elements not only worsen air quality, but contribute to the phenomenon of air pollution in a significant and immediate way.
An emblematic case occurred in 2023, when in many Italian cities PM10 (fine particulate matter) levels exceeded the safety threshold just a few hours after midnight. These peaks, generated by pyrotechnic explosions, represent a serious risk to human health. In fact, they aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially in the most vulnerable subjects such as children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
The impact, however, does not stop with the air. Fireworks also contribute to soil and water pollution. The residues of unexploded firecrackers and fragments of pyrotechnic materials accumulate on the ground, contaminating the environment with substances that are difficult to biodegrade. This debris, transported by rain, often ends up in waterways, compromising river and marine ecosystems. Heavy metals and other chemical compounds, once released, can enter the food chain, with harmful effects on wildlife and, indirectly, humans.
The legislative paradox in Italy: fragmented and ineffective regulation
Despite the well-documented risks linked to New Year’s Eve celebrations, Italian legislation remains insufficient, characterized by a fragmentation that compromises its effectiveness. Some municipalities, particularly large cities, issue temporary ordinances to ban their use, seeking to limit damage to public safety, animals and the environment.
However, in the absence of a clear and uniform national law, the application of these bans is inconsistent. In many cases, the ordinances remain a dead letter, since controls in the area are sporadic and sanctions are often insufficient to discourage incorrect behavior.
Inadequate legislation to protect the environment and animals
The current legislation regulating the sale and use of pyrotechnic articles focuses mainly on human safety, neglecting fundamental aspects such as environmental impact and the protection of fauna.
The problems related to air, noise and soil pollution are not effectively addressed, nor the serious consequences that bangs have on animals, both domestic and wild. This regulatory void leaves room for harmful practices that could easily be mitigated through more decisive and coherent legislative intervention.
The countryside #BastaBotti: a call for change
In this context, the #BastaBotti campaign promoted by LAV presents itself as a strong and determined voice calling for a change of direction.
The petition, which has collected over 66 thousand signatures, represents a clear signal of the citizens’ desire to overcome this harmful tradition. The association calls for the introduction of national legislation that definitively bans harmful fireworks and fireworks, promoting sustainable alternatives that respect the environment and animals.
Alessandra FerrariLAV manager for the Family Animals area explains that: «Every year, the issue of the bangs comes back into vogue after the New Year’s Eve incidents, but the debates quickly die down. It’s time to act and propose sustainable alternatives for everyone.”
Possible alternatives: how to celebrate safely and responsibly
Alternatives exist and are already adopted in many parts of the world. In several European cities, such as Amsterdam and Berlin, traditional fireworks have been replaced by laser light shows and artistic projections, which offer a thrilling viewing experience without causing harm. Even in Italy, some local administrations have begun to promote similar initiatives, gathering consensus and participation.
Change, however, cannot occur without a combination of legislative interventions and cultural awareness. Educating citizens, especially the youngest, about the damage caused by bangs is essential to guarantee a safer future for everyone.
The LAV campaign is not just a protest, but a concrete proposal for a new way of celebrating, which protects people, animals and the environment. As Alessandra Ferrari underlines: «We cannot sacrifice safety and health for a few minutes of entertainment. New Year’s Eve must be a moment of joy for everyone, not of tragedy.”