Many in cities across China called on authorities to lift the ban on fireworks during the Spring Festival holidays (January 21-28). The movement gained online momentum as cities faced the first surges of Covid-19 after China lifted pandemic control restrictions. Netizens said that lighting fireworks, a Lunar New Year tradition in China, is believed to drive away ill fortune. Many Chinese people believe fireworks are of special significance this year as the country prepares to coexist with the virus. As many long endured quarantine, lockdowns and travel restrictions during the pandemic, they think setting off fireworks could help people let off a little steam.
Local governments have banned fireworks since the 2000s over safety and air pollution concerns and also hoped to spare the elderly from the cacophony of thousands of people setting off fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Most supported the ban at first, but as time went on, more complained the lack of fireworks detracts from the festive atmosphere of China’s most important traditional holiday.
In response, cities such as Dalian, Liaoning Province, and Dongying and Binzhou, Shandong Province are temporarily lifting the ban for the holiday. However, most have either not addressed the issue or, like Beijing, have stated the ban will remain.
Old Version
