Cancún activists suggest piñatas instead of fireworks for New Year

Cancún, Mexico — Animal rights activist groups are urging the population not to insert fireworks inside the “Año Viejo” (Old Year) figures that will be burned this December 31st. During the Christmas holidays, at least five accidents involving children and adults were recorded in Quintana Roo due to the use of these gunpowder devices. Additionally, there is the issue of panic caused in pets, resulting in dogs fleeing their homes.

Carmen Lizama, activist and director of the adoption page “Peludos con Amor,” indicated that during the past Christmas Eve, at least 20 dogs were reported to have fled their homes due to the panic caused by fireworks.

“This happens every year, and unfortunately, out of every 10 dogs that flee, only three to four are found, which increases the number of street animals. Moreover, these are pets who are not accustomed to being on the streets,” she stated.

Therefore, together with other animal rescue groups, they launched a campaign asking the population to change the traditional burning of the “Año Viejo” for a piñata filled with candy, which can be more fun and less dangerous for children.

Although municipal authorities have carried out operations against the sale of fireworks at various points in Cancún, these gunpowder devices are sold without any restrictions through social media.

“Many people make the traditional ‘Año Viejo’ figure to burn on December 31st in the first minutes of the new year, but they fill them with fireworks, which can also be dangerous for people around,” she affirmed.

She recalled that after these festivities, announcements searching for dogs that fled their homes increase on social media.

She commented that as an alternative, the “Año Viejo” figure made of cloth and sawdust can be replaced by piñatas with the same symbolism, which are sold during these days in markets at an approximate cost of 250 to 300 pesos, and filled with candy and gifts.

This costs 300 pesos more, but it can be a fun tradition and family gathering that does not harm or affect humans or animals.