Alcohol and Fireworks Fuel Holiday Emergency Risks in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The cries of “¡Viva México!”, the fireworks and the family gatherings that mark Mexico’s Independence Day also bring a predictable spike in emergencies, with alcohol, pyrotechnics and unsupervised children driving injuries and accidents across Quintana Roo.

During the 2025 celebrations in Cancún, authorities recorded 12 traffic accidents between 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 10 a.m. the following day, while Red Cross crews reported 24 emergency responses by 7 a.m. on Sept. 16.

Drinking Behind the Wheel

Alcohol is one of the factors most likely to turn a celebration into an emergency. In Playa del Carmen, municipal authorities reported 48 traffic incidents linked to alcohol consumption between August 2025 and January 2026.

Although that figure represented a 23 percent drop from the previous period, alcohol-related crashes remain a risk on dates when gatherings and drinking increase.

Fireworks: A Celebration That Can End in the Emergency Room

Fireworks are another major risk during the national holidays, particularly for children and teenagers.

Mexico’s federal Health Secretariat has warned that pyrotechnic injuries can rise by as much as 35 percent during holidays, and that children between 5 and 14 years old account for a large share of the serious injuries caused by these devices.

According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), 46 percent of fireworks injuries affect the upper limbs, 30 percent the eyes and 16 percent the head and neck.

Hands are especially vulnerable. The Health Secretariat notes that 82 percent of fireworks injuries occur in that part of the body, with consequences ranging from burns to permanent damage.

Fire Risk Also Rises

Fireworks, candles, bonfires, braziers and other open-flame sources can also spark fires in homes, vehicles and the spaces where celebrations are held, especially when used near flammable materials.

Officials recommend keeping any heat source away from curtains, furniture, paper, dry vegetation, vehicles and other materials that ignite easily. Fireworks should not be lit near homes, electrical installations or crowded areas.

Candles, stoves, braziers and any other burning object should never be left unattended, and water, sand or a fire extinguisher should be on hand to respond to a small blaze.

A Safe Celebration Starts Before the “¡Viva México!”

To keep the festivities out of the hospital, authorities recommend a handful of basic precautions.

The most important is not to drive after drinking and to use safe transportation. Officials also advise against excessive alcohol consumption and urge families to keep children under supervision during gatherings.

On fireworks, the recommendation is to avoid using them altogether and, above all, to prevent minors from handling them. They should be kept away from homes, vehicles, electrical installations and flammable materials to reduce the risk of fire.

Anyone who suffers a burn or injury should seek medical attention and avoid home remedies that can make the damage worse.

The 2025 celebrations ended with no serious incidents across Quintana Roo’s 11 municipalities, according to the State Civil Protection Coordination. The goal for Sept. 15 and 16 this year is for the festivities to be remembered for the company, the music and national pride — not for accidents that could have been prevented.