A resolution is being drafted in Krakow to ban fireworks in public spaces. The draft prepared by Mayor Aleksander Miszalski assumes that the legislation could come into force in 2026. The aim of the resolution is to protect animals, the elderly and the sick, for whom loud explosions pose a serious problem.
Residents want silence instead of noise
The idea for the ban was based on the results of a survey of more than 10,000 Krakow residents. The vast majority of respondents, 75 per cent, supported restrictions on the use of fireworks. Those who owned or cared for animals predominated among the respondents, who highlighted the stress that explosions cause to dogs, cats and birds. Only a quarter of the survey participants felt that a ban would be a violation of civil liberties. Although the majority is in favour of a year-round ban, some respondents allow exceptions during New Year’s Eve and several other celebrations during the year. The president’s draft stipulates that the restriction will not cover the period from 31 December 2025 from 10pm to 1 January 2026 until 2am. If the resolution comes into force, this year’s New Year’s Eve will be the last with fireworks.
Banning fireworks – modern alternatives
Krakow has already abandoned the city’s pyrotechnic display before. In 2014, traditional fireworks were replaced by lasers, which were positively received by residents. Now, the city may go a step further, emulating Zakopane and Bukowina Tatrzańska, which introduced a total ban a few years ago. President Miszalski emphasises that modern technology allows to create spectacular shows without harming animals or the environment. Drone shows or light projections are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world.
Noise is not everyone’s cup of tea
Fireworks have been associated with celebrations for centuries, but their effects are far from joyful. Apart from stressing animals and children, they also cause numerous injuries, pollute the air and litter the environment. In Poland, dozens of veterinary and firefighter interventions are recorded every year on New Year’s Eve, and in many cases animals flee their homes in panic. More and more cities are abandoning pyrotechnics in favour of environmentally friendly displays. This trend is part of a growing environmental awareness and concern for the welfare of animals and nature as a whole.
History of fireworks
The history of fireworks dates back to the 9th century, when gunpowder was accidentally discovered in China. Initially, it was used in religious ceremonies and to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the pyrotechnic art developed into a spectacular display, which found its way to Europe in the 14th century thanks to merchants and missionaries arriving from the distant Asian country. In Poland, the first firework displays were held at royal and magnate courts, often to celebrate coronations, military victories or church holidays. The custom of shooting on New Year’s Eve did not take hold until the 20th century, when firecrackers and rockets became more readily available to everyone.
Fireworks ban in Krakow?
If Krakow councillors support the mayor’s project, from 2026 the city could become the first major centre in Poland with a year-round ban on fireworks for residents. Instead of bang and smoke, Cracovians will be able to welcome the New Year in silence, with music, light and drone shows. For many, this will be the symbolic end of an era, while others see it as the start of a new tradition: celebrating in a showy but conscious way, without harming animals or the environment.
Loading ...Source: krakow.pl
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