Tradition affects criticism: fireworks at Heidelberg Castle lighting 2025!

Tradition affects criticism: fireworks at Heidelberg Castle lighting 2025!

What's going on in Heidelberg? The city is once again in focus when it comes to traditional fireworks in the castle lighting. Despite increasing criticism with regard to environmental pollution and the harassment of animals, Heidelberg Marketing GmbH decided to maintain the fireworks in 2025. The warm colors and loud hiss sounds that illuminate the city's nightly skyline is still very popular. However, critics particularly criticize the effects on nature and demand alternative solutions.

The allegations against the fireworks are diverse. Environmental and animal rights activists referred to the possible dangers that emerge from fireworks, such as increasing fine dust emissions and stress. But Heidelberg Marketing GmbH takes on this criticism and emphasizes that resilient evidence is missing for harmful environmental impacts. The strict requirements that are imposed on the fireworks also ensure that a complete deletion would not bring any measurable use from an environmentally technology point of view. Even the volume of the fireworks was adjusted due to the African swine fever so as not to panic wildly living animals.

tradition vs. modern

The fireworks in Heidelberg has been a fixture in the city's cultural scene since 1860. But there are already considerations of breaking new ground. In early 2023, drone shows were tested at the Neckaruferfest, which should complement the fireworks. Unfortunately, these experiments were not followed up due to the associated high costs and the technical and approval law restrictions. Due to its geographical situation, Heidelberg has difficulty organizing an adequate drone show that could replace the fireworks.

In other regions of Germany, however, the trend towards drone shows is becoming increasingly stronger. For example, a drone show will be used at the St. John's Night in Mainz instead of a fireworks display, which is almost twice as expensive. A combination of traditional fireworks and drone show is also available on “Rhine in Flames” in Koblenz. Critics such as the BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) warn of the dangers of fireworks, especially under dry conditions, while at the same time emphasizing the impending costs and challenges for organizers of drone shows.

environmental aspects - what do the numbers say?

Numerous studies show that fireworks are only a minimal share of annual CO2 emissions and fine dust emissions in Germany. It is estimated that New Year's fireworks only cause 0.7 % of the annual fine dust, which is negligible compared to other causers such as car traffic. Any effects on the wildlife, such as stress or an increased mortality rate, are also scientifically insufficiently proven. The evidence that would prove a connection between fine dust and climate change are not clear what makes the discussion about possible prohibitions of fireworks complicated.

The city of Heidelberg has the difficult task of reconciling the tradition of the castle lighting with the legitimate concerns about the environment and animals. The exchange with the responsible authorities is guaranteed before each event to ensure responsible use. It remains to be seen whether there will be a switch to drone technology alternatives, but it is still clear: the fireworks remain, at least for now, an integral part of Heidelberg Celebration Culture.

For more information you can report the reporting of Heidelberg24, n-tv and BVPK view.