‘Incomprehensible’: Madrid plans huge firework display on nature reserve

Las fallas celebrations in Valencia last year, which ends with floats set on fire and fireworks. The proposed mascletà in Madrid is part of an initiative to attract tourists to the two cities. Photograph: Biel Aliño/EPA

Environmentalists and animal welfare groups are protesting against Madrid city council’s plans to stage an especially noisy firework display in a nature reserve created on the recently restored Manzanares river.

Opponents say the mascletà, a celebration of noise rather than light, planned for this Sunday lunchtime will lead to a “massacre” of wildlife, and of birds in particular.