Mayor Federico Gutiérrez questioned the use of gunpowder to start the holiday season.
Every year, in Medellinthe holiday season begins with the call ‘dawn’a practice in which gunpowder is the protagonist. However, since the administration of Federico Gutierrezcitizens have been urged to avoid these types of activities.
With the arrival of Decembercases of people increase burned both in Medellin as in the Aburrá Valley. According to data from the Town hallin 2023 they registered 11,552 cases of burnsand although the season has not officially started yet, in 2024 have already been accounted for 8,477 incidentsmainly by contact with hot liquids.
Also read: Enjoy the Christmas magic: Medellín’s lighting lights up; know the schedules and routes
The dawn It is carried out the night before and the early morning of December 1so this Saturday, November 29the city of eternal spring is getting ready to start the Christmas festivities.
To prevent an increase in the numbers of people affected by gunpowderthe Security Secretariat of Medellin announced the mobilization of 1,200 uniformed in strategic points of the city in order to guarantee security.
The authorities have identified the areas where this practice historically takes place to avoid the uncontrolled use of gunpowder.
“We want to invite special care for our girls and boys, who are usually the main victims of irresponsible acts by adults. It is inconceivable that there are still fathers, mothers or relatives who encourage a minor to manipulate elements such as chorrillos, minimizing the risk, and then these children end up burned,” said the mayor. Federico Gutierrez.
During the Lighting Ritual you will be able to see light, water, technological effects and music, which will have as a background the La Vida fountain of the EPM Building.
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The president also questioned the continuity of the dawnhighlighting that his administration has implemented alternative activities for families to celebrate the festivities without resorting to the use of gunpowder.
“There is no excuse to say that the only way to celebrate Christmas is with dawn or using gunpowder“he emphasized Gutierrez.
Of interest: Medellín is transformed into a large manger: details of the spectacular 2024 Christmas lighting
Regarding the summonses imposed in 2023the commander of the Metropolitan Policegeneral William Castanoreported that they registered 137 sanctions for manipulation of gunpowderremembering that the fine amounts to approximately 1,300,000 pesos.
This approach seeks to promote safe and risk-free festivities for the community.
