Germany Prepares for New Year with Fireworks Frenzy and Heightened Security

Record demand for pyrotechnics and increased police presence highlight the dual focus on celebration and safety.

Hundreds of people in Taucha, Saxony, queued for hours in freezing temperatures to purchase fireworks, with some spending close to €1,000 on pyrotechnics.
Germany's fireworks industry continues to see high demand, though experts suggest this may be a residual effect of the pandemic-era bans on pyrotechnics.
Berlin is deploying 4,000 police officers, including 3,000 additional personnel, to manage safety during New Year's Eve, with mobile barriers to protect crowds at major events like the Brandenburger Tor celebration.
Böllerverbotszonen (fireworks ban zones) have been reintroduced in key areas of Berlin, including Alexanderplatz and parts of Neukölln, to prevent incidents and ensure public safety.
The Berliner Feuerwehr (fire department) is tripling its staff for the night, anticipating its busiest shift of the year, while illegal fireworks trade remains a concern for law enforcement.