New Year's Eve is often a time of raucous celebration, as people mark the transition from one chapter of their lives to the next. In the Netherlands, New Year's Eve has become known for its
exuberant use of fireworks, with random civilians and neighbors lighting up the streets with large, professional-grade displays that can be seen throughout the city.
But with so many explosive pyrotechnic devices being set off, it isn't surprising that this sometimes results in
fires, injuries, and even death.That's why it's so important that the Dutch Parliament voted to ban the public sale and use of most fireworks, starting on New Year's Eve 2026. Sign the petition to urge other European countries to implement similar bans!This year, the widespread use of fireworks in Dutch cities inspired many exciting-looking videos that quickly spread on social media. People showed off how they could turn their phones 360 degrees and still see fireworks exploding everywhere, on every centimeter of the horizon.
Several hours into this mayhem, the roof of Vondelkerk, a historic church in Amsterdam, caught on fire. While it hasn't been confirmed that this is due to fireworks, the timing lines up. The church tower collapsed, and people living immediately around the building were evacuated from their homes in case the fire spread further.
Separately from the church destruction, multiple
adults and children in the Netherlands were caught in fireworks-related accidents - leading to injuries, or worse. In total,
around 1,239 people in the small country suffered serious injuries, with some of the youngest victims being just
5 years old. Approximately 12 people on New Year's Eve
lost a hand. In Rotterdam, at least 14 patients required treatment for eye injuries, with 2 requiring surgery. And plastic surgeons rushed to help 93 people who experienced major wounding,
especially from burns. Two people ultimately died. One of them was a teenage boy.Fireworks are also terrible for
people with PTSD, as well as for pets and wildlife, with the loud noises and bursts of bright light are also deeply distressing. For people who have experienced intense trauma, fireworks can trigger terrifying memories of past violence. For animals, who do not understand what is happening, many panic and attempt to flee the situation - running away from owners, abandoning wild nests with their babies, or going into shock and dying from fear.
It's good that the Netherlands did the right thing and banned most public fireworks - allowing exceptions, of course, for safe official displays instead. We must protect each other, and our animal friends. Sign the petition for the rest of Europe to catch up and follow suit!