Fireworks (with one’s own ashes) after death: Martarello’s pyrotechnic idea

Fireworks after death

Popular in Mexico is the king of fireworks. He is Vincenzo Martarello from Polesine. In fact, he returned from Mexico these days with an award. “A month ago I received an invitation from the municipality of Almoloya De Juarez (Toluca, Mexico City State) to participate in the first international pyromusical festival ‘Arte, fuego y cultura,'” he says. “Since I was the first proponent of pyrotechnic shows with music, thanks to my knowledge of both music and pyrotechnics, I gladly accepted the invitation, only for prestige and not for money. It was a pride for me to be chosen among the best pyrotechnicians in the world. In fact, a Japanese, a Colombian, a Mexican, and an Italian, me, were present. Between preparing the show, attending, giving photographic shots and autographs, the week was very nice and very intense. Representing Italy in Latin America was one of my greatest satisfactions and a source of great pride.”

Vincenzo Martarello, 64, known as Renzo, is descended from a family of pyrotechnicians for more than 100 years. “I have lived all my life on bread and black powder,” he says with a laugh. “I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Venezze State Conservatory in Rovigo in my youth, where I studied classical trumpet for four years. In 1994 I came up with the idea of combining music with fireworks. A branch that is now very much in use in the world of pyrotechnics.” Vincenzo Martarello, who is very creative, also had another very special idea, which he patented. That is the scattering of the ashes of the deceased with a firework. “This is a project that has nothing to do with a funeral,” he explains, “but a choice that anyone can make before passing away, which is to disperse their ashes with a firework.