Tulum cancels fireworks in response to concerns over effects on animals.
The money saved by cancelling the fireworks will be used for an animal sterilization program.
There will be no fireworks next week in Tulum, Quintana Roo, out of respect for animals.
Mayor Víctor Mas Tah announced that the municipality will not set off fireworks during Independence Day ceremonies on September 15 because of concerns over the effect they have on animals.
Mas Tah said the decision was part of a campaign to make Tulum a more sustainable municipality. The money saved from cancelling the fireworks show will be directed towards a free pet sterilization program.
The mayor said that cancelling the fireworks will save around 150,000 pesos (US $7,700).
The pet sterilization program is the result of an agreement between Tulum councilor Eva Rocha Geded and animal advocacy organizations.
The sterilizations will take place at Tulum’s Cultural Center.
Mas Tah added that cancelling the fireworks will also protect businesses in the area that are put at risk of fire because of the display.
In all Mexican cities, there is an excessive use of fireworks during festivities such as the September national holidays or on New Year’s Eve.
It would not be a bad idea for Mérida to follow Tulum’s example and totally prohibit the use of fireworks that generate nothing but noise and air pollution, risk of fire, harm to the health of pets and wild animals, and are also dangerous to humans, since its use registers a good number of accidents every year.
The Yucatan Times Newsroom with information from MND
