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Amsterdam offers virtual alternatives after banning private fireworks for New Year
Amsterdam banned private fireworks for New Year with the aim of making festivities safer and offered an alternative. The city, headed by Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema, banned the use of private fireworks in 2020, with the ban to come into effect this year.
City authorities stressed that professional fireworks shows are still allowed and reiterated that Amsterdam offers alternative ways to celebrate the New Year.
Amsterdam decided to introduce the ban after a series of incidents at the end of 2019 and start of 2020, including fights and aggression in the streets as well as fireworks-related accidents and fires.
Starting on 31 March last year, private citizens are not allowed to set off fireworks in Amsterdam, with the exception of F1 category fireworks also called children’s fireworks.
Amsterdam authorities noted that the city is planning a New Year’s Eve party with a light show and fireworks this year, and is planning to organise additional fireworks shows in the city.
In addition, Amsterdam will host an art installation and support different initiatives that want to offer something different for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Besides events organised by the city, the Amsterdam administration called on city districts to organise activities for young people in community and youth centres to provide alternatives to traditional fireworks.
The Netherlands introduced a nation-wide ban on the sale of different types of pyrotechnics at the end of 2020.
(Photo credit: Elisha Terada / Unsplash)
