Unbearable noise levels (2)

Joseph Galea, Sliema

At 8 a.m. and again at noon today (August 29) we were 'regaled' with a series of tremendous bangs, courtesy of the organising committee of the feast of St Julian's.

Why do we persist in this pagan activity that scares children and pets out of their wits and causes distress to the elderly and the sick? These are not 'fireworks' but unadulterated explosions. The usual suspects will say that this is part of our 'tradition'. This does not make it right.

'Tradition' is just 'usage' and a stupid and unchristian activity remains stupid and unchristian, irrespective of how long it's been going on.

I can think of many activities that were once considered 'traditional,' here or elsewhere, that now are illegal. Letting off numerous petards early in the morning (or at any time) just to make the loudest noise possible is wrong and only appeals to those with limited intelligence. For parish priests and their superiors to continue to condone such an activity is shameful and discredits their calling.

Comments

Joseph Galea (on 7/9/08)

Nigel Lawrence, while I agree that it appears that these explosions have the tacit approval of church authorities, I believe that your stance of "totally rejecting the church" because of this, is "throwing out the baby with the bathwater."
I suggest that when approached to make an "offerta ghal-festa' you say that you will be making a donation to a charity instead and clearly tell the parish priest why you will not donate for the 'festa.' That is what I will be doing in future.

Nigel Lawrence (on 7/9/08)

These explosions have the full blessing of the church- which is one of the reasons I have totally rejected the church. "offerta Ghall festa"? Sod off!

Joe Morana (on 7/9/08)

I sympatise with Joseph Galea. Here in Sliema we are 'regaled'' with a number of festas celebrated by communities in Sliema, St Julians and Gzira with fireworks (essentially bangs) fired as early as at 8.00am let off either from Manuel Island or from Balluta Bay. While I do like festas and fireworks, I am confident that many agree that starting with 'bangs' at 8.00am on the 'day of rest is uncalled for. Do not the Police authorities consider that 8 a.m on "day of rest" is too early to permit such (bangs) fireworks?

André Xuereb (on 7/9/08)

Can we please get rid of the petards? No one in his/her right mind seems to think that they are useful, necessary or good in any way!