Fancy firework sales expected to rise

Pyrotechnics Netherlands, the sector association for fireworks in the Netherlands, expects that this year will again see a decline in the number of loud bangers sold, and an increase in the number of fancy, pretty fireworks, spokesperson Leo Groeneveld said to the Telegraaf. According to him, consumers are increasingly focused on quality, decorative fireworks.

The Netherlands has an estimated 1,300 places to buy fireworks. According to Groeneveld, about 60 closed last year because the turnover was not sufficient to cover the costs. An increasing, but not yet significant, number of consumers also buy their fireworks online. "Part of the fireworks tradition in te Netherlands is the way in which you buy them: fathers often go search out fireworks with their sons."

A call to have only a municipal firework display over New Year's, instead of allowing consumers to buy and light fireworks themselves, is gaining support. But Groeneveld hopes that the Dutch tradition will be kept. "Centrally lighting fireworks goes against the tradition in which family, friends or neighbors light fireworks together on a small scale."