Do you know this country celebrates New Year by burning cars from last 30 years?

We have seen different ways of celebrating New Year across the world but this way of celebrating New Year might make you feel uncomfortable. France is one of the most stunning countries in the world. Yes, this gorgeous country has its own unique way of celebrating New Year. This might come as a shock but people in France celebrate New Year’s Eve by burning down cars. The practice of burning cars started in Strasbourg in the 1990s.

This year, people in France set fire to 874 vehicles on New Year’s Eve under the practice. This trend started about 3 decades ago. However, in 2019, more than 1316 cars were burnt. 441 people were questioned across the country for burning the car. Although, this number is lower than that in 2019.

Why this kind of tradition?

Earlier, this tradition started in Strasbourg to protest. The poor youth from Strasbourg started it as a symbol of protest. Then it became a controversial tradition. Car burning has become an annual event in French suburbs since riots took place in 2005 in several cities. In 2005, 9000 vehicles were torched in protest against housing projects in the country.

According to the police, the youths try to hide the criminal acts on the pretext of burning the car. Efforts are also made to take false insurance claim of damaged vehicles. According to a French Media’s Report, around 95000 police and gendarmes were trained during recent New Year’s celebrations which also included 32000 firefighters and security personnel.