Interesting Facts

According to the World Health Organisation, Spain is the noisiest country in Europe, and Madrid is one of the noisiest capitals. (In fact Spain is the second noisiest country in the world, behind Japan. Most of the noise comes from traffic, such as cars, heavy lorries and noisy motorbikes and mopeds. This is closely followed by building works, discotheques and leisure activities in general; especially in summer. Having been to Valencia during Las Fallas, I'm sure fireworks, which are more like army ordnance, don't help.)

In the UK, in order to be legally permitted to sell certain age restricted products, you need a licence or registration.  (Licenses and/or registrations apply to the following products:- Alcohol Fireworks and explosives Firearms  Gambling Knives (non domestic) Pet animals Petroleum Tattooing and skin piercing Tobacco There is an age limit of 18 for using a sunbed, but no legal requirement to be licensed to operate one. There is no age limit for using or purchasing hair dye.)

Three handheld sparklers produce as much heat as a blowtorch. (No surprises their, I have the holes in my clothes to prove it.)

The multi-coloured fireworks we enjoy today actually began in the 1830s, when Italians added trace amounts of metals. Until then they were mostly noisy. (These metals burn at high temperatures and create beautiful colours. Other additives also produce interesting effects. For example, calcium deepens colours, titanium makes sparks, and zinc creates smoke clouds.)