Dutch consumers spent some €118 million on fireworks this year, breaking the previous record of €115 million set in 2022, according to Leo Groeneveld, chairman of the Pyrotechnics Netherlands (BPN) interest group.
In 2023, the annual turnover was €105 million.
The 2022 record followed two years of nationwide fireworks bans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We have surpassed that now, possibly due to border controls which led more Dutch people to buy fireworks domestically,” Groeneveld explained.
He also mentioned that the distribution of sales days might have played a role. “Saturday was the first day for sales, while no sales occurred on Sunday, but many stores were open for orders that customers could collect in the days following.”
Dutch residents are allowed to set off fireworks from 6 p.m. on 31 December to 2 a.m. on 1 January. Nineteen municipalities have imposed a fireworks ban this year, while around one hundred others have designated fireworks-free zones, where setting off fireworks is prohibited.
Despite these restrictions, “it was unbelievably busy,” Groeneveld reported after the first day of sales.
While the Dutch are known for their love of fireworks, opposition is increasing. A survey conducted by RTL News among 20,000 people revealed that 60% support a general ban, up from 55% last year, with women and the elderly particularly feeling unsafe.
Every year, injuries occur due to fireworks. According to Dutch media, a thirteen-year-old boy was severely injured on Tuesday afternoon in Kamperland, Zeeland, after lighting a Cobra-6 firework. The boy reportedly lost part of his hand.
