Prague reminds visitors of fireworks ban as it prepares for New Year's Eve

As the clock strikes midnight, the Czech Republic is gearing up for New Year's celebrations, with Prague expecting up to 90,000 international visitors for its renowned festivities. As the city prepares to welcome the new year, it reminds residents and visitors of the fireworks ban that came into effect three years ago.

The heart of the capital will witness vibrant celebrations, leading to temporary traffic measures in key areas, including Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square, starting from noon on December 31. To ensure safety during the celebrations, hundreds of police officers will be deployed, particularly focusing on monitoring compliance with the fireworks ban.

Fireworks are officially prohibited in Prague's historical center as well as near waterways and hospitals. Police are authorized to issue on-the-spot fines of CZK 10,000 for violations, while serious offenses may face fines of up CZK 100,000 if brought to administrative proceedings.

Despite the ban, celebrants can be expected to risk fines and light up the city center's sky tonight. Police have imposed dozens of fines for New Year's Eve fireworks violations over the past three years, but are consistently overwhelmed as the clock strikes midnight.

Traffic and parking restrictions will also be implemented in Prague, targeting major squares and landmarks, starting at noon on December 31 and lasting until 10:00 am on January 1. To accommodate celebrants, the metro service will be extended, and additional night tram services will be in operation.

This year's celebrations take on a somber tone in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Charles University's Faculty of Arts in Prague, and Interior Minister Vít Rakušan has urged municipalities not to organize traditional New Year's Day fireworks displays. Despite the call, some cities are sticking to their plans, with fireworks shows scheduled for the first day of 2024 in locations like Kladno and Kolín.

While some municipalities have opted to cancel New Year's Eve fireworks, others, like Trutnov, plan to carry on with their displays. Protivín sees the event as a symbol of goodwill and expects a sizable turnout for its New Year's fireworks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this tradition.

Prague has not hosted a New Year's Day fireworks show since 2020, foregoing the tradition in favor of other forms of celebration. This year, the city is offering entrance to Prague Zoo, Prague Botanical Garden, Prague's Public Transport Museum, and seven towers managed by Prague City Tourism for a symbolic fee of CZK 1 on New Year's Day.

As the Czech Republic bids farewell to 2023, these diverse celebrations offer an array of options for residents and visitors alike.