Schönau's fire brigade in the state of emergency: Celebrate 150 years of Böller tradition!

Schönau's fire brigade in the state of emergency: Celebrate 150 years of Böller tradition!

In the early Sunday morning of June 23, 2025, the residents were awakened by the loud bang of six firecrackers from a historic cannon. At 6:30 a.m. this event took place at the start of the 150th anniversary of the Fire Brigade Schönaus. Josef Frisch, a member of the festival committee, served the cannon and thus staged a traditional element of the festival.

The fire brigade's founding festival plays a central role in the social life of the community and is opened with a service that follows a procession. During the return march, the flag block was marched, which not only underlines the solemn character of the event, but also the connection of the citizens with their fire brigade and tradition.

Böllern as a tradition: honor or noise pollution?

The firecracker on festive occasions is a widespread practice in parts of Bavaria. On Corpus Christi Day, for example, it is common for shooting clubs to hand in firefights during the processions. However, critics of the custom argue that the noise is perceived as superfluous and stressful. Rudolf Neumaier, Managing Director of the Bavarian State Association for Homeland Care, defends the Böllern as an honorable gesture to Christian festivals. According to Neumaier, the shooters in the Berchtesgadener Land have a role model function in terms of this custom. Critics such as Alfred Rietzler, on the other hand, suggest to find alternative methods to honor God and fallen soldiers, for example through bells.

social interaction is of great importance in such traditions. A file folder with inquiries shows that there are more and more people who question or do not understand the custom. In Fürstenfeldbruck, for example, it was decided that firecrackers are no longer allowed to shoot during the procession, as this is perceived as too loud. Local researchers describe the night of Corpus Christi day as a time when shooting on the "Lordgott Salut" was given to drive away evil spirits. These historical backgrounds make the discussion about firecrackers even more complex.

The future of the firecracker

Neumaier emphasizes that adapting the customs is required today and that decisions about the Böllern should be made locally. It is important to maintain the community -creating function of the customs and at the same time meet the needs and sensitivity of the residents. The persistent echo of the firecrackers could be perceived as honor for some, while it is a noise pollution for others that could lead to a rethink in the communities.

The discussion about the firecracker shows a deep social change in which traditions are put to the test. While fire brigades look back on their history as in Schönaus, it remains to be seen how the customs of the future will adapt to the needs of an increasingly critical society.

The Fire Brigade Festival of the Schönaus fire brigade not only marks a celebration of the past, but also takes a look at the potential development of traditions in a changing world.