What's happened
Athens and Nicosia are replacing traditional loud fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows, and drones to make New Year celebrations more child- and pet-friendly. Athens adopted quiet fireworks last year, while Nicosia has fully replaced fireworks with drone displays, aligning with sustainability and EU symbolism as Cyprus assumes EU presidency.
What's behind the headline?
The move away from traditional fireworks in Athens and Nicosia signifies a significant cultural and environmental shift. Low-noise pyrotechnics, while still reliant on black powder, reduce noise pollution and distress for animals, children, and vulnerable populations. Nicosia’s replacement of fireworks with drones demonstrates technological innovation and a commitment to sustainability, as drones produce no chemical emissions or debris. This transition aligns with European trends toward greener public celebrations and may influence other cities to follow suit. However, the continued use of low-noise fireworks in some areas indicates a gradual transition rather than an outright ban, reflecting balancing cultural traditions with modern concerns. The emphasis on drone displays in Nicosia also underscores the strategic use of technology to project EU symbolism, especially as Cyprus assumes the EU presidency, positioning the city as a model for sustainable urban celebrations.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Athens has adopted 'quiet' fireworks, signaling a shift in priorities towards more respectful and environmentally conscious celebrations. Nicosia has gone further, abandoning conventional fireworks altogether, replacing them with drone displays that generate minimal noise and emissions, as part of its effort to modernize public festivities and align with European sustainability objectives. AP News highlights that these drone displays are not only quieter but also safer and more creative, with Nicosia’s use of drones effectively replacing fireworks at municipal events. The articles contrast the traditional reliance on loud fireworks and celebratory gunfire, which have caused injuries and distress, with innovative, eco-friendly alternatives that serve both safety and cultural modernization goals.
How we got here
Traditionally, Greek and Cypriot celebrations have relied on loud fireworks and celebratory gunfire, which can cause distress and injuries among vulnerable groups. Recent concerns about noise pollution, safety, and environmental impact have prompted cities to explore quieter alternatives. Athens and Nicosia are now leading this shift, with Athens embracing low-noise fireworks and Nicosia adopting drone displays, reflecting broader European trends and sustainability goals.
Go deeper
- What are the environmental benefits of drone displays over fireworks?
- How are residents reacting to these changes?
- Will other European cities follow suit?
More on these topics
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Haris Doukas is a Greek mechanical engineer and Professor of energy policy and management at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens.
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Nicosia is the largest city, capital, and seat of government of Cyprus. It is located near the centre of the Mesaoria plain, on the banks of the River Pedieos.
Nicosia is the southeasternmost of all EU member states' capitals.
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Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, known also as Hellas, is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki.
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Athens, is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and its earliest human presence started somewhere between the 11th and 7th m
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Cyprus, officially called the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean. The third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, it is located south of Turkey; west of Syria and Lebanon; north of Egypt, Israel, a