Fireworks industry expects more inclusive Sant Joan, as sales of low-noise fireworks increase 

The fireworks industry expects a 'booming' Sant Joan, now that drought restrictions have subsided. Fireworks and bonfires are a traditional part of Sant Joan (or Saint John's Eve) which starts at sunset on June 23. The 'revetlla' of Sant Joan is a festival deeply rooted in Catalan culture and tied to the summer solstice. 

Josep Maria Vilardell, president of the Association of Fireworks Manufacturers and Wholesalers of Catalonia, estimates sales will increase by 6%. He also predicts profits will be close to €23 million.  

Easing of drought restrictions 

The reason why Catalan firework vendors are approaching the 2025 revetlla with such optimism is mainly due to the easing of the drought conditions and the improved state of Catalonia's reservoirs. According to Vilardell, these changes are set to be reflected in strong sales this season in comparison to previous years. "We know that full reservoirs don't put out fires, but having them full is a good sign that we can celebrate Sant Joan normally and without problems," he said in an interview with the Catalan News Agency ACN.  

"People really enjoy the colors and fireworks," said Vilardell, emphasizing the wide variety of effects these products now offer. The popularity of these kinds of products is tied to recent campaigns promoting low-noise fireworks. These fireworks are designed to minimize auditory discomfort for babies, children, vulnerable adults, and even pets.  

Vilardell stated these items are made to "encourage coexistence" and help ensure that celebrations are not disturbing neighbors or individuals. Firework chain La Traca expects that 60% of its sales for the 2025 festival will be low-noise products, which is an increase from 55% last year.  

La Traca leads the trend of these family-friendly fireworks as it reflects an increasingly widespread change in habits: choosing luminous, low-noise products designed for all people and pets.  

The Catalan family business also aims to preserve the essence of the celebration through innovative, safe, and environmentally conscious fireworks. They also promote the responsible use of pyrotechnic products, handing out information at points of sale to encourage a safe and civic celebration.  

Loyal base for loudness 

However, the sale for low-noise fireworks increases, loud firecrackers still have a strong demand. "Those who love bangs want them loud and explosive," Vilardell said. He defended the existence of these products as long as they are used in accordance with the distance guidelines set out by European regulations for each category.  

Regarding the perception that fewer fireworks are being set off during Sant Joan's Eve, Vilardell claimed that this is "not true," stating that firework sales rise slightly every year, and attributing this belief to the fact that firework use is becoming more concentrated on the actual revetlla.  

"In the past, many people would start launching them in the days before and after June 23, but that happens less and less now," he explained. He welcomed this shift, saying that it means sales are growing while public nuisance is decreasing.  

Firework waste collection bins 

Vilardell's company, Petards CM, is committed to promoting firework recycling and waste collection. The company will install two collection containers for used or damaged firework materials in Barcelona, near its stalls in the city. They will be located at the intersections of Carrer de Tarragona with Carrer d'Aragó and Carrer de Cartagena with Avinguda Diagonal.  

"We know two bins are not enough, but it's the beginning of a project we hope to expand across Barcelona and eventually all of Catalonia," Vilardell said. Another container will be placed in the town of Palau-solità i Plegamans, where the company is headquartered.