Tatiana Geiselmann (in Kiel, Germany), edited by Gauthier Delomez 8:45 p.m., December 30, 2022
Despite their ban, Alsatians do not hesitate to go to Germany to buy fireworks on the occasion of the New Year.
These products, which are making a comeback in Germany after a two-year ban, are still very successful with French customers.
“You only have that in a little firecracker?” asks a customer in a fireworks store on the other side of the Franco-German border, in Kehl, Germany.
A shop where a hundred people have been parading since Thursday in search of these New Year's essentials.
"We ordered five-six pallets, and everything is already gone! We have lots of customers, especially French people", explains the manager at the microphone of Europe 1.
>> READ ALSO
- Silent, non-polluting and reusable fireworks
Banned in Germany for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, fireworks are making a comeback in supermarkets, and many Alsatians are crossing the border to do their shopping.
"It's a tradition with us"
And for good reason: for three years, the sale and use of fireworks have been banned in the Alsatian region.
However, the traditions are well anchored.
"The New Year, without fireworks, it's not the New Year!", Confirms Hakim, a young boy at the microphone of Europe 1.
Her mother opines: "I was born in Strasbourg, and it's always been like that. It's a tradition with us. Every year, we make firecrackers. We really celebrate it!"
The family has just bought 180 euros worth of fireworks.
She is about to leave for Strasbourg, less than ten minutes away on foot, hoping not to be caught at the border.
>> Find Europe Soir Weekend in replay and podcast here
"I'm a little scared, but unfortunately there isn't much choice. It's make or break," agrees the mother.
In the event that "it breaks", the fine can go up to 750 euros.