Lots of fireworks during a fireworks ban: “It’s a long tradition”

The changes to 2021 and 2022 were relatively quiet due to corona measures. This year it was as we are used to: on the street, in the living rooms and in the catering industry, there was another big party. It was possible again.

“In recent years you have seen that people increasingly feel the need to guard their own freedom,” says Judith Flapper, behavioral psychologist of Everything in Balance in Alkmaar. “That’s a general development.” The corona pandemic will also have contributed to this, she thinks. “People want fewer rules imposed on them and like to decide for themselves what their freedom looks like.”

Whether a ban on fireworks will help remains to be seen. “Lighting fireworks is a long-standing tradition that people have become attached to,” she says. “If you suddenly take that away from people, you lose their freedom.” But that’s not the only thing, because experiencing and maintaining of traditions also gives people a sense of togetherness and safety.” Of course you can adjust or change traditions, but that usually takes time and the realization that change is needed.”

An example of a total ban that also had to abandon tradition is the smoking ban in public areas. In addition, it was a rule imposed by the government. “We are now completely used to the fact that you are not allowed to smoke in the catering industry, but that took a long time.”

According to the behavioral psychologist, when adapting a tradition, you have to be very careful. “If you want to get as many people as possible involved, then you have to discuss this in an equal way. Without a predetermined outcome. Look together at what you want to keep from, for example, such a tradition as fireworks.”

Approach for culture change

According to Flapper, behavioral change is best in consultation with the municipalities possible, for example with a panel. “In this way you can talk to representatives from all walks of life. Then you have a better chance of a supported solution than when the alternative is imposed from above.”

Enforcement seems to be a problem, because there are hardly any authorities to keep an eye on every offender. “We shouldn’t want that, a world in which more and more enforcers are needed to keep order,” says Flapper. “Actually, of course, we would like a world in which enforcers are not needed because we take care of society and the earth together. That is probably a utopia. But what we can do is take up our own responsibility and hope that others follow our example. to follow.”