In many parts of the country, the municipalities will not arrange any fireworks during New Year’s Eve. Municipally-run rockets and firecrackers have been phased out in most places, among other things due to concerns for the environment, difficult economic times and animal health.
Ten municipalities in the country still adhere to the tradition. It is about Eskilstuna, Luleå, Haparanda, Jönköping, Kungälv, Landskrona, Uddevalla, Umeå, Varberg and Västerås.
“Trying to work environmentally friendly”
TV4 Nyheterna has been on site in Eskilstuna, one of the places where the municipality arranges fireworks. At Strömsholmen in Eskilstunaån, this year they use a quieter fireworks display with lots of gold rain effects.
The golden rain contains, among other things, common substances such as potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur.
– We try to work as environmentally friendly as possible, says Magnus Cieslak, pyrotechnician.
The residents of Eskilstuna have divided opinions about fireworks.
– Sometimes people usually keep at it for three or four days. I don’t think that’s okay. If it only happens once, at the same time when everyone gathers, I think it’s okay, says Maryam Tajik.
“Unbelievably stupid”
– I think you should think about the environment. And it is incredibly stupid to burn so much money that could have gone to more meaningful things, says Ann-Sofie Hagen.
In Eskilstuna municipality, the fireworks will cost approximately SEK 150,000. Ann-Sofie Wågström (S), chairman of the municipal council, says that the city can afford the expenses this year.
– Going forward, we’ll see. Harder times are coming, so I’m a bit thoughtful about next year, she says.