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Switzerland moves to ban noisy fireworks in festive tradition shift

A historic Swiss tradition faces change as lawmakers prioritize peace over pyrotechnics. Could this spark a global shift in how we celebrate?

At the bottom of the picture, we see two men and a woman are sitting on the chairs. In front of...
At the bottom of the picture, we see two men and a woman are sitting on the chairs. In front of them, we see a man in the black blazer is standing and he is talking on the microphone. Beside him, we see a flower pot or a flower bouquet. Beside that, we see a table on which a book, water bottle and some other objects are placed. Behind him, we see a podium on which the microphones are placed. In the background, we see a brown wall and a board in white, blue and red color with some text written on it. This picture might be clicked in the conference hall.

Switzerland moves to ban noisy fireworks in festive tradition shift

Swiss lawmakers have taken a step towards quieter celebrations by approving draft legislation on the 'Fireworks Initiative'. The proposal seeks to ban fireworks that create noise without visual effects. This move follows a debate in the National Council on the future of fireworks in the country.

The tradition of fireworks in Switzerland has deep historical roots. It began with the Chinese invention of gunpowder fireworks during the Song dynasty (960–1270). Later, Europeans developed fireworks as a spectacle in Italy from the late 14th century. These displays spread across the continent and became part of Swiss civic and festive life by the early modern period.

The decision means Switzerland is moving closer to restricting certain types of fireworks. If fully implemented, the ban will apply to products that generate noise without accompanying light shows. The change reflects a growing focus on reducing unnecessary disturbance during celebrations around the world.

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