New Year's Eve in Kassel: Fireworks bans and chaos despite strict rules!

in Kassel, a fireworks ban was issued in large parts of the city center on New Year's Eve 2024. Despite this regulation, many people ignited rockets and firecrackers, especially on Friedrichsplatz. In the air, clear fine dust was perceptible after midnight, and the police could not enforce the ban. Discussions about the consequences of the ban and the incidents in the prohibition zones are already underway. A city spokesman explained that the security authorities will process the incidents and incorporate experiences from other cities.

Compared to other major cities, the New Year's Eve in Kassel was without special occurrences. Green politician Eva Koch expressed that many citizens had not noticed the ban and asked for better references to the ban. For the first time, the city organized a laser show as an alternative to fireworks, which is due to an application by the Greens. CDU party leader Maximilian Bathon spoke out against prohibition zones and demanded more video surveillance and more staff for the city police.

political reactions and security precautions

FDP politician Sascha Bickel described the ban without enforcement measures as inadequate. While Grüne Koch advocates a nationwide ban on firecrackers, SPD parliamentary group leader Anke Bergmann is skeptical and searches for solutions to enable firecrackers. Left faction leader Sabine Leidig criticized the current situation and demanded a cultural change. The Kassel police cannot currently confirm whether more fireworks have been ignited than in previous years, but suspects an increase. There are no references to the ignition of illegal blast, such as spherical bombs, but the police consider fireworks prohibition zones in places with many people.

In the further context, the security authorities in Hesse have strengthened the precautions at the turn of the year. The police are preparing for a safe New Year's Eve with adolescents and increased controls, which also takes into account the attacks in Magdeburg. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) emphasizes the good preparation in Hesse and calls on the citizens to celebrate peaceful and non -violent as well as to respect firing bans. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) emphasizes the importance of security and violence prevention. The federal police support the federal states with additional forces to control pyrotechnics bans at train stations.

In many municipalities of Hesse there are already bans, especially in city centers and old town areas. In Frankfurt, for example, firecrackers on the Zeil and the iron footbridge apply from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. or 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. These prohibitions also extend to areas near churches, hospitals and old people's homes. In addition, the Frankfurt Zoo appeals to the residents of observing firecrackers in order to avoid stress in the animals. In Marburg there is a ban on fireworks in the upper town, including the castle and Lutheran churchyard, with high fines for violations. Strict rules regarding fireworks also apply in Michelstadt and Fulda.