Animal Friends Croatia is calling for stricter nationwide restrictions on fireworks after Istrian firefighters suspended approvals for displays due to fire risks. The group says fireworks restrictions in Croatia should be regulated by law rather than depend on individual decisions by local fire departments.
The association welcomed the decision by the Fire Department of Istria County to suspend approvals for fireworks until further notice because of the danger of fires. It described the measure as responsible and necessary, but argued that protection of people, animals, property and nature should apply throughout Croatia.
594 Public Fireworks Held in 2024
According to data from Croatia’s Interior Ministry, 594 public fireworks displays were held across the country in 2024, an average of more than one per day. The highest numbers were recorded in July, with 117 displays, and August, with 113.
Animal Friends Croatia is proposing legal changes that would limit the number of fireworks displays to a maximum of three per year in each local community. The association also noted that its demand for stricter regulation of pyrotechnics is supported by the Croatian Firefighting Association.
The group argues that the term “public fireworks” can create a misleading impression because, according to the association, many such displays are actually held for private celebrations. These include weddings, tourism-related events and occasions organized to welcome guests.
During the summer, the association says it regularly receives complaints from residents of tourist destinations where fireworks are held almost every week in some locations. It says such displays cause disturbance, frighten animals and contribute to environmental pollution.
Group Seeks Broader Restrictions on Pyrotechnics
Alongside stricter fireworks restrictions in Croatia, the association is calling for the abolition of the so-called “pyrotechnics days.” Current rules allow pyrotechnics to be used from December 27 through January 1, while the group argues that the actual occasion for celebration exists only on New Year’s Eve.
Its demands also include a complete ban on noisy pyrotechnics of equal or greater power than already prohibited firecrackers and strings of firecrackers. The association additionally wants advertising of pyrotechnics banned, as well as their sale in general retail stores.
For light-based pyrotechnics, Animal Friends Croatia proposes restricting their use to a two-hour period on New Year’s Eve. The association maintains that concrete legal changes are needed to establish consistent restrictions across the entire country.
