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New Year's Eve in Munich: Traditions and the big fireworks ban!
Find out which New Year's Eve customs are traditional in Schwabing-Freimann and what discussions exist about bans on fireworks.
New Year's Eve in Munich: Traditions and the big fireworks ban!
Today, January 1, 2026, the people of Munich look back on a New Year's Eve that was marked by traditional customs, but also by an ongoing debate about fireworks. There was a strict ban on setting off firecrackers in the old town and along the Middle Ring, which was decided primarily for environmental reasons and the protection of animals. How tz.de reports, wax casting, an environmentally friendly alternative to classic lead casting, is back in fashion. Instead of leaden lumps, the wax now rises to hope for the coming year.
Different lucky dishes should not be missing at the celebration. In Germany, lentils, pork and New Year's carp are served on the table. An absolute must in Bavaria are the New Year's Zopf, a delicious yeast pastry, as well as the donuts, also known as Berliners or pancakes. “New Year shouting” is particularly widespread in the Allgäu and Lower Bavaria, where children greet their neighbors with singing and noise.
The fireworks and its controversial discussion
Firecrackers still remain a hot potato. Five years ago, Alexander von Dercks and Jürgen Schmoll founded the citizens' initiative "Silvesterböller? No thanks" to bring about a ban on private fireworks in Munich. In 2023, lighting between Stachus and Marienplatz and within the Middle Ring will be severely restricted. There are now only a few fine dust releases here, which means long-awaited peace for many residents. But the project met with resistance, as the city administration loudly said Evening newspaper was of the opinion that the Federal Explosives Act already regulates the regulation of fireworks. However, it is surprising that similar bans are regularly discussed or even implemented in many cities around the world, such as Paris or New York.
The discussion about fireworks bans in Germany is being heated up by serious accidents like those on New Year's Eve 2024. There were several serious injuries caused by the improper use of fireworks. While there is talk about the safety aspects and environmental impact, polls show that 53% of Germans favor a ban on fireworks. The Brandenburg Consumer Center reports that society is more divided than ever: 39% are against a ban.
Mutual consideration
The discussion about environmental protection and stress for animals is also on the city's agenda. Zoo director Rasam Baban and Kristina Berchtold, the head of the Munich animal shelter, together with other animal protection organizations, are calling for more protection for animals, especially on New Year's Eve. The demand for a ban zone around the zoo ensures that fireworks are not allowed to be set off there.
The city could come up with alternative events. Clemens Baumgärtner from the CSU supports the idea of a central light and laser show for New Year's Eve 2024, which is being discussed as a replacement for private fireworks. The Green City Council group also supports this proposal as it represents a step towards a more environmentally conscious New Year's Eve.
It remains to be seen whether the tradition of New Year's Eve fireworks has a future or whether it can be replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives. One thing is certain, however: the desire for happiness, health and joy is omnipresent on New Year's Eve and connects people - regardless of whether they want to have a bang or have a quiet evening.