ATHENS, Greece (AP) 鈥� Greece and Cyprus are starting 2026 by turning down the volume.
The countries’ capital cities, Athens and Nicosia, have traded the familiar whizz, crackle and boom of window鈥憆attling fireworks for spectacle without the shock wave, opting for low鈥憂oise pyrotechnics, light shows and drone displays.
The shift aims to make New Year celebrations more child鈥� and pet鈥慺riendly 鈥� especially for animals with more sensitive hearing 鈥� in a break from the loud, combustible traditions of the past.
A shift toward calm
Athens embraced 鈥渜uiet鈥� fireworks last year, a decision Mayor Haris Doukas says signals a change in priorities.
鈥淭his marks a new era in New Year celebrations,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 spectacular show of light, without deafening noise 鈥� respecting people, animals and the environment.鈥�
Nicosia has gone further, abandoning conventional fireworks altogether after assessing their toll. Event planners and municipal officials say fireworks can cause distress to elderly residents, infants, people with autism and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
鈥淭his decision forms part of the municipality鈥檚 broader effort to modernize public celebrations and align them with European trends and sustainability objectives,鈥� the municipality said.
鈥楺uiet鈥� fireworks highlight landmarks
Low-noise fireworks still rely on black powder as a propellant to launch and disperse the 鈥渟tars鈥� or pellets that create colors and visual effects. But they use smaller charges and avoid the explosive bursts that generate the loud cracks typical of traditional displays.
These quieter pyrotechnics are not new and are often incorporated into larger shows, including effects mounted on landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the London Eye.
Cris Matthews, founder of Quietworks, a U.K.-based firm specializing in low-impact firework displays, said using quieter options often requires additional planning and creativity, and are ideal for more intimate celebrations.
鈥淭he argument for low noise or quiet fireworks becomes a lot more relevant as the shows get smaller,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or displays such as weddings and private parties, lower-noise firework options can offer many more benefits.鈥�
Old habits and new tech
The private 鈥� and often deafening 鈥� use of fireworks remains common in Greece and Cyprus for occasions such as Orthodox Easter. In some rural areas, gun-owning traditions still lead to celebratory gunfire. Both practices have resulted in injuries.
Most municipalities in greater Athens this year are sticking with fireworks that include loud bangs. But New Year celebrations in the city center, framed by the ancient Acropolis, are focused on visual splendor, incorporating lights and drones as high-tech options become more sophisticated and affordable.
In Nicosia, drones have now 鈥渆ffectively replaced鈥� fireworks at municipal events, delivering 鈥渉igh levels of creativity,鈥� the municipality said. Unlike fireworks, drone displays generate minimal noise, produce no chemical emissions or debris, and pose no fire risk.
The timing is deliberate. Cyprus assumes the European Union鈥檚 rotating presidency on Jan. 1, and the capital plans to use drone displays to showcase Cypriot and EU symbolism throughout the year.
鈥淭he Municipality鈥檚 overarching objective is to set an example by prioritizing safer, greener, and more sustainable alternatives,鈥� it said, 鈥渁nd by definitively moving away from traditional fireworks in municipal events wherever possible.鈥�
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Hadjicostis reported from Nicosia.
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