Beware: Fireworks banned across most of Budapest on New Year’s Eve under stricter rules

Celebrating the New Year with fireworks will look very different in Budapest this year. Under a newly tightened municipal regulation, the use of most fireworks and pyrotechnic devices will be prohibited across the vast majority of the Hungarian capital on New Year’s Eve, with heavy fines awaiting those who ignore the rules.

The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) confirmed that, unlike in previous years, fireworks will be banned in most public areas of the city, following a decision by the Budapest Metropolitan Assembly to significantly restrict entertainment-related pyrotechnics.

New rules, shorter time window

According to the regulation, fireworks classified as Category II and Category III may not be used anywhere in Budapest before 8:00 PM on 31 December, nor after 2:00 AM on 1 January. This alone represents a major change, as the previously allowed time window has been cut in half from 12 hours to just six.

However, in many parts of the city, the restrictions go much further.

Three types of zones across the capital

The new rules divide Budapest into three different types of areas, each with its own level of restriction.

In non-protected areas (shown in white on the map below), Category II and III fireworks may only be used between 8:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and 2:00 AM on New Year’s Day.

In protected zones (shown in peach colour on the map below), the use of these fireworks is completely banned throughout 31 December and 1 January. These areas include residential buildings and a 50-metre radius around them, meaning large parts of the city fall under full prohibition during the festive period.

In strictly protected zones (shown in blue on the map below), fireworks in Categories II and III are banned all year round. These areas include nature conservation sites, Natura 2000 areas such as the entire Normafa region, forests, parks, cemeteries, zoos, hospitals, residential care institutions, and, in some cases, their surrounding 100-metre zones.

The official classification of Budapest’s public areas is published by the city authorities, and residents are strongly advised to check which zone their neighbourhood falls into before planning any celebrations.