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Germany Tightens Halloween Security, Warns on Fireworks as Retailers Eye Solid Sales

Police cite last year’s incidents to underscore that illegal pyrotechnics can carry criminal penalties.

Overview

  • Police across multiple cities plan larger evening and night deployments, with Essen expanding camera use and Düsseldorf’s Old Town system enabling average on‑scene responses of about 81 seconds.
  • Officers advise against fireworks, noting most municipalities restrict consumer pyrotechnics to New Year’s, foreign bangers are illegal, and severe cases can be prosecuted; fines can reach up to €50,000, with typical penalties between €150 and €1,000.
  • Safety guidance stresses reflective costumes or lights, sticking to sidewalks and crossings, accompanying younger children, only knocking at lit houses, not entering buildings, and avoiding real or realistic weapons.
  • The trade association projects roughly €520 million in Halloween-related sales nationwide, with Berlin‑Brandenburg expected to match or slightly trail last year and Hesse forecasting about €54 million, led by sweets, decor and costumes.
  • Event listings show a full slate from family tours and museum specials in Thuringia to parties and guided walks in Dortmund and Frankfurt, even as public-holiday closures on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1 in several states prompt pre‑holiday shopping.