Andorrans Back Sant Joan Fireworks with Animal and Eco Safeguards

Andorrans strongly support fireworks for Sant Joan celebrations but urge tighter regulations to safeguard animals, the environment, and fire risks, according to a street poll and calls from animal welfare groups.

The audiovisual survey, conducted ahead of the traditional eve gatherings, found widespread backing for preserving the displays as an essential part of the festival and multi-generational family traditions. Most respondents favoured restrictions over bans, such as designated launch zones, limited hours, and controls on noise to reduce stress on pets and wild animals—particularly resonant in Andorra's mountainous landscapes ringed by natural spaces.

Animal protection associations like ARPA, GosSOS, and Apapma have intensified demands for predictable, less disruptive events. They criticise indiscriminate use outside scheduled times or in sensitive areas, which triggers panic in dogs that tremble, flee, stop eating, or injure themselves. The groups advocate organised shows announced in advance, shifts toward visual pyrotechnics with lower decibels, and limits on zones and durations to spare wildlife during breeding seasons, infants, the elderly, hospital patients, and people with autism or sound sensitivity.

ARPA stressed that the issue stems from incivility, not tradition itself, while GosSOS argued no custom should outweigh harm to animals, people, or the environment, proposing light or drone alternatives. Apapma highlighted how echoes amplify noise in valleys and called for confining petards to the eve's specific day and time in set locations.

Civil Protection issued standard safety guidelines: purchase authorised pyrotechnics from licensed outlets, match products to age and user, avoid launching near crowds, forests, or vegetation, and use secure ignition methods. Additional advice includes not pocketing fireworks, avoiding synthetic clothing, protecting limbs and head, securing laundry and awnings at home, and restricting bonfires to approved sites.

Fire risks remain a priority amid dry heat, though shops like Petards Piroprat and Armeria Andorrana report steady sales similar to prior years. Families typically spend €30-40 on prepared packs, favouring fountains and batteries, with youth preferring thunderclaps. Peak buying is expected just before the eve.

Authorities have not detailed measures for this year's events.