Schönau fire department in a state of emergency: celebrating 150 years of firecracker tradition!

Schönau fire department in a state of emergency: celebrating 150 years of firecracker tradition!

Early on Sunday morning on June 23, 2025, the residents of Schönaus were woken up by the loud bang of six gunshots from a historic cannon. This event took place at 6:30 a.m. to kick off the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Schönau Fire Department. Josef Frisch, a member of the festival committee, operated the cannon, highlighting a traditional element of the festival.

The fire department's founding festival plays a central role in the community's social life and opens with a service followed by a procession. During the return march, people marched in flag blocks, which not only underlines the celebratory nature of the event, but also the citizens' connection to their fire department and tradition.

Firecrackers as a tradition: honor or noise pollution?

Firecrackers on festive occasions are a widespread practice in parts of Bavaria. On Corpus Christi Day, for example, it is customary for shooting clubs to fire cannon shots during the processions. However, critics of the custom argue that the noise is perceived as unnecessary and stressful. Rudolf Neumaier, managing director of the Bavarian State Association for Homeland Care, defends the firecrackers as an honorable gesture at Christian festivals. According to Neumaier, the riflemen in Berchtesgadener Land serve as role models when it comes to this custom. Critics such as Alfred Rietzler, however, suggest finding alternative methods to honor God and fallen soldiers, for example by ringing bells.

Social interaction is of great importance in such traditions. A file with requests shows that there are more and more people who question the custom or do not understand it. In Fürstenfeldbruck, for example, it was decided that gunners would no longer be allowed to shoot during the procession because it was perceived as too loud. Local historians describe the night of Corpus Christi Day as a time when “Herrgott Salut” was given by shooting at the Lord God to drive away evil spirits. These historical backgrounds make the discussion about firecrackers even more complex.

The future of firecrackers

Neumaier emphasizes that customs need to be adapted to today's times and that decisions about firecrackers should be made locally. It is important to maintain the community-building function of the customs while at the same time meeting the needs and sensibilities of the residents. The persistent echo of the gunfire could be seen as an honor for some, while for others it is a noise nuisance that could lead to a rethink in communities.

The discussion about firecrackers shows a deep social change in which traditions are being put to the test. While fire departments like those in Schönaus look back proudly on their history, it remains to be seen how the practices of the future will adapt to the needs of an increasingly critical society.

However, the founding festival of the Schönau Fire Department not only marks a celebration of the past, but also takes a look at the potential development of traditions in a changing world.