The authorities of the Federal Capital and other cities in the country have announced that for the upcoming holidays, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there will be restrictions on the use of pyrotechnics to protect people, animals, and the environment, a measure that many have celebrated.
On the eve of both festivities, the head of the Buenos Aires City Government, Jorge Macri, announced the new measure established in the city: "We are prohibiting the use of audible-effect pyrotechnics throughout the city. This decision also responds to a recurring request we have heard at neighborhood meetings."
To enforce this, he tasked the Environmental Protection Agency (APRA) with updating the current regulations and taking action against the use of loud pyrotechnics and explosive devices across the entire city.
According to authorities, the ban on loud pyrotechnics will not only be in effect on December 24th and 25th but will be in place year-round. The City Government will also adhere to this ban for any event or show it organizes.
The city of Santa Fe is another area that has been declared a "Pyrotechnics-Free Territory" since 2017 by ordinance No. 12,429. This ordinance prohibits the "possession, manufacture, handling, circulation, transport, commercialization, wholesale or retail sale, and private use of any pyrotechnic or rocketry item."
According to the Argentine News Agency, some localities in Salta, the province of Buenos Aires, and even in Tierra del Fuego have also implemented restrictive or prohibitive measures regarding the use of pyrotechnics or any noisy elements.
Although there has been a significant reduction in the use of fireworks and related injuries in recent times, there is still a percentage of people who take advantage of Christmas Eve and Christmas to use them. It is in response to this number that the authorities have decided to curb their circulation.
Furthermore, pyrotechnics cause damage to animals and the ecosystem. Loud pyrotechnics affect the health of the elderly, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and babies.
