Jordanians unite against celebratory gunfire with #BoycottFatalFestivites movement

AMMAN — In a powerful display of unity and outrage, Jordanians are taking to social media to demand an end to the dangerous practice of celebratory gunfire. 

The trending hashtag, #BoycottFatalFestivities, has dominated the country’s social media landscape for the last two days as citizens from all walks of life call for change.

The movement gained momentum following a tragic incident in which a young man named Hamza Al Fanatsah lost his life due to a stray bullet on his wedding day, transforming what should have been a joyful celebration into a heart-wrenching tragedy.

Hundreds of posts have flooded popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, each echoing a common plea: The end of celebratory gunfire.

This social media outcry coincided with a concerted effort led by influential social media figures, who urged the public to reject the dangerous practice by any means necessary. A resounding message emerged, declaring a collective refusal to attend any wedding where gunshots are fired.

In a show of solidarity, the youth of the Maan Municipality announced the cancellation of traditional pre-wedding rituals, including the groom’s traditional bath and evening gatherings, as a gesture of mourning for Hamza’s untimely death. 

Adding his voice to the call for change, HRH Crown Prince Hussein visited the condolences tent set up for the late groom in Maan. The Crown Prince emphasised the urgent need to put an end to the practice of firing gunshots at weddings, urging a firm and serious response to the issue.

“The emotional impact of Hamza’s tragic death has reverberated throughout Jordan in recent days,” Jordanian Ahmad Sa’di posted on Facebook. 

“Unfortunately, we have to mark the death of a young Jordanian as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of this dangerous tradition,” said Sa’di. 

“What was meant to be a day of joy and celebration turned into a day of sorrow and pain due to a stray bullet, leaving the nation mourning the loss of a promising young life,” Facebook user Amal Barghouti commented. 

“We want this outcry on social media to be translated into tangible changes and an end to the deadly tradition of gunfire at weddings,” Suhaib Aloul posted on Facebook.