Noise is negative

Festas are a significant part of our traditions. The celebrations in honour of patron saints have become so ingrained in the Maltese way of life that many from among the tens of thousands who had emigrated to Australia and Canada have occasionally started to celebrate their "village" feasts complete with processions, on a small scale.

Watching the festa organised in honour of patron saints and processions with titular statues, hearing bands and seeing colourful fireworks in moderation can bring joy when carried out in a truly Christian spirit.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. At times the noise from high calibre petards is indeed upsetting to the sick, the old, young children and babies. For those recovering from operations or who are seriously sick and need rest, it is most disturbing.

For how long are we going to continue talking about the harmful disturbing bangs from large petards without getting to grips with the problem? There should be no room for complacency. Many people suffer in silence.

Although many Maltese have time and time again expressed their concern verbally or in writing to the press, advising moderation, this is often ignored and the use of petards continues. There seems to be no regard for those who suffer because of the bangs.

The festa can have a laudable Christian meaning when emphasis is placed on prayer and looking up to God. One cannot help wondering whether ear-splitting petards are signs of our Catholic faith in any way. Prayer and petards are not compatible.

Petards may remind us of the Blitz, explosions and misery of the last war. Furthermore, noise at high levels, including loud, prolonged music in public should not be allowed.

Besides other effects, frequent prolonged noise can have a negative effect on the brain and the nervous system, especially for sensitive people. Preserving traditions and faith are laudable. However, reducing noise of high levels should be a priority.