RhinhessenConsiders Using Drones as Alternative to Fireworks During Celebrations
Party On in Rheinhessen: Fireworks vs Drones
Fire dive bombs, sparks, and noise, oh my! The usual revelries in Rheinhessen are ditching the traditional pyrotechnics for a more tech-savvy alternative—drones. But, is this new sparkler saving more than just the environment? Let's dive right in!
Many a heart skips a beat during Rheinhessen's main events such as the Mainz Johannisnacht, the Alzeyer Wine Festival, and the Backfish festival in Worms. Yet, these iconic adrenaline rushes may take a slightly different flight this year.
The Farewell to Fireworks at Mainz Johannisnacht
Swans or drones, you say? This year, Mainz Johannisnacht will bear silent, starry skies instead of fireworks. The city had once splurged approximately €17,000 on fireworks, but this year, a breathtaking drone light show will set them back a staggering €34,000.
Despite the hefty price tag, Mainz's culture commissioner Marianne Grosse (SPD) argues that the city must keep pace with the times. "Innovation and climate must dance in harmony," she says.
Alzeyer Wine Festival: To Drone or Not to Drone?
Over in Alzeyer, the committee for citizen services has nixed this year's fireworks display. They will be weighing alternate options, notably, a drone show.
The Backfish festival in Worms? Well, the looming threat of African swine fever has sworn off fireworks, but we'll find out soon if drones will take their place.
Fireworks: A Cheaper Thrill?
According to the organizer of "Rhein in Flammen," fireworks still come in cheaper than a drone show. Yet, Thomas Fischer, who orchestrates around 100 fireworks a year, says plenty of organizers now opt for fireworks when drone shows are too pricey.
Drone shows need a fleet of drones to create a spectacle—a hefty investment compared to a fireworks show. Complex shows with 3D animations or larger drone squads drive up the cost significantly. Moreover, drones capsize under adverse weather conditions, and their production—not always environmentally friendly.
A Symphony of Light: Fireworks and Drone Shows Combined
As properties go, some organizers are taking the middle road and mashing up fireworks and drone shows for an electrifying spectacle. "Rhein in Flammen" will be their first to try it out.
In Koblenz, they're thinking outside the box when it comes to visual delights. For them, drones are not intended to replace fireworks but to expand on the spectacular vistas already showcased.
Environmentalists: The Quiet Unsung Heroes
Critics abound when it comes to fireworks, particularly environmentalists. For instance, the Sylvia and Hubert Schneider Memorial Foundation for Nature and Animal Protection in Mainz lashed out at fireworks, arguing that they disturb bird breeding seasons, stressing out feathered friends and mammals alike.
Moreover, with the ongoing drought, the risk of fire becomes a significant concern. The German environmental group BUND Rhineland-Palatinate speculates that a few fireworks may be scrapped due to the dry conditions this year.
In the cosmic dance between fireworks and drone shows, the winner remains to be seen. Undeniably, both have their merits and demerits. Ecological considerations, costs, and versatility must be weighed, and only then can we light the way to a glowing future.
- The cost of drone shows at Mainz Johannisnacht has increased significantly compared to the previous fireworks budget, sparking a discussion about the value of innovation and maintaining balance with environmental concerns.
- As both fireworks and drone shows offer different forms of visual spectacles, organizers are beginning to experiment with combining the two, aiming to create an electrifying and sustainable presentation that caters to modern sensibilities and respects the environment.
