No Fireworks and Flares This New Year’s in Sofia
This year, Sofia will bid farewell to 2021 without its traditional fireworks and flares. Instead, the capital will welcome the New Year with a captivating light show, part of the New Year’s concert program on "Knyaz Alexander I" Square, organized by the Sofia Municipality.
The administration urges residents and guests of the city to refrain from using pyrotechnic devices and reminds that, in Sofia, open usage of fireworks (categories F2 and F3) is prohibited, except for the period from 6 PM on December 31st until 2 AM on January 1st. Fines range from 100 to 300 BGN, along with potential property damage fines of 300 to 500 BGN.
Categories F1, which include sparklers and "popping" marbles, are exceptions. Massive usage fireworks, such as rockets and roman candles, including "pyro-balloons," fall under F2 and F3.
To ensure compliance with the ban, 10 patrol teams from the COS-SDVR and district management units will be deployed daily across the city from December 5th onwards. They will monitor not only the use of prohibited pyrotechnic devices but also illegal sales and trading violations.
Moreover, since March 1, 2022, changes to the Public Order Ordinance have restricted the use of pyrotechnic devices within Sofia limits. Uncontrolled fireworks negatively impact children, the elderly, pets, and cause air pollution, as well as potential property damage.
