New Year celebrations

Red zones in Milan and banned bangers everywhere (but not in Naples): the rules for New Year's Eve in the cities

In Bologna no more than 9,000 people can be in pizza Maggiore at the same time

by Redaction Rome

29 December 2024

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For New Year's Eve in Milan red zones make their debut, controlled areas off limits to criminals and troublemakers. Bologna still chooses the closed number in the square. And many cities, including Rome, ban bangers. Rules so as not to degenerate the festivities and not to turn occasions for entertainment into public order interventions.

Red zones in Milan

In Milan, the city council has renewed its call not to shoot fireworks in order not to pollute, and the red zones have arrived: for three months, the most sensitive areas of the Lombard capital - from Piazza Duomo (the scene of violent episodes in 2021) to the Navigli - will be banned for those who are harassing or have a record for offences against public safety. In general, the 'red zone' was triggered on 30 December: people who adopt 'aggressive, threatening or persistently harassing attitudes, causing a concrete danger to public safety' and have a criminal record for certain offences will receive a sort of urban Daspo that can lead to a sentence of up to three months in prison and a 200 euro fine. The measure will remain in force until 31 March in five areas of the city, starting from Piazza Duomo and the surrounding area and ending at the Navigli, passing through the streets around the Centrale, Garibaldi (with Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Corso Como area) and Rogoredo (with the entire Corvetto district) stations.

Piazza Maggiore limited

There will be no more than 9,000 people in the main square of the capital of Emilia when, as per tradition, there will be the burning of the Vecchione and a DJ set. Each person entering the square will be given a coupon that must be returned if they leave. Here too, firecrackers, glass and cans are prohibited.

From Venice to Reggio Calabria: banned barrels

From Aosta to Reggio Calabria, via Rome and Florence, as has been the case for years, Italian cities have banned fireworks on New Year's Eve. With the sole exception of Naples where fireworks are more than a tradition. There will be a stop to fireworks in the capital and fines of up to 500 euros for those who do not respect the ordinance, which will go into effect on Tuesday and will be in force until the Epiphany.

The Campidoglio has also launched a pro-animal campaign "in the expectation that the ban on the use of loud bangers in the city during any kind of celebration will become structural and no longer just emergency," explained councillor Sabrina Alfonsi.

In Florence too, banned firecrackers: offenders will be fined up to 500 euro plus the confiscation of the material. In addition, the take-away sale of drinks in glass containers will be prohibited. No firecrackers and glass in the historic centre of Genova from the evening of 31 December until the following morning. In the same vein Benevento while in Salerno the restrictions will cover the entire festive period, until the aftermath of the Epiphany, and in Reggio Calabria until 8 January.

The Naples Exception

In Naples, however, no ordinance on bangers. On New Year's Eve, however, take-away drinks cannot be sold in glass bottles or cans, but only in light plastic or paper cups.

In Trieste yes to traditional fireworks but no firecrackers. In Bolzano, on the other hand, it was not necessary to sign an ad hoc ordinance because the municipal urban police regulation prohibits the lighting or throwing of rockets and fireworks and the use of firecrackers all year round. The year-round ban on firecrackers is also valid in Venice on the basis of the new Urban Police and Safety Regulations: local police officers are particularly sensitised on these days and penalties range from 50 to 200 euro. The ban obviously does not apply to authorised fires, such as those set by the City Council at midnight on 31 December in St. Mark's Basin, which will in any case take place in a circumscribed area in the lagoon, far from homes.

Firecrackers are also banned in Turin and in almost all the cities in Piedmont except Verbania, which has made an exception for New Year's Eve. No glass beverages in the street also in Trento while firecrackers and firecrackers are only allowed in a dedicated area, south-west of Piazza Duomo, which will be manned by the fire brigade.

Restrictions also apply in the cities of Molise and the Marches. In Matera, on the other hand, the anti-botti ordinance will last until 20 January. Bans will also be imposed in the cities of Sardinia and in Palermo.

First seizures

In addition, the first seizures of illegal fireworks were made and police and carabinieri checks will continue in the coming days. The Carabinieri also launched an initiative to raise awareness and provide information on the dangers with meetings in schools in recent weeks.