while they are mechanically explosions calling them that instills the image of cannon fire, tank missiles, or pipe bombs, and yeah I wouldn’t want to be woken up by that either, but fireworks are fireworks.

I have met people who have trauma from recently being around a front line in a war. Fireworks are hell for them, it can trigger full-blown panic attacks. So yes, it is actually quite similar.

That’s not even considering the air pollution, noise pollution, or the “smaller” issues like the harm done to pets, stray dogs/cats, birds, etc.

It’s definitely not “harmless fun”. I can agree that fireworks can be fun but they need to be done in responsible amounts and only in certain times when at least people can expect the noise and prepare for it.