A New Era of Celebrations: Greece and Cyprus Go Quiet for New Year's

Greece and Cyprus are making a big change for New Year's Eve in 2026. Instead of loud fireworks, they are opting for quieter celebrations. This shift is all about making the festivities more enjoyable for everyone, especially kids and pets. Athens started this trend last year with "quiet" fireworks. These fireworks are less noisy but still colorful. The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, said this change marks a new way to celebrate. It's about having a beautiful light show without the loud noise that can bother people and animals. Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, has gone even further. They are skipping traditional fireworks altogether. Officials say fireworks can be stressful for elderly people, babies, and those with certain conditions like autism or PTSD. By choosing drone displays and light shows, they are making celebrations more modern and eco-friendly.Quiet fireworks are not entirely new. They have been used in big shows around the world, like those at the Eiffel Tower or the London Eye. These fireworks use smaller charges, so they are less loud. Cris Matthews, a specialist in low-impact firework displays, says quieter options are great for smaller events like weddings or private parties. However, not everyone is on board yet. Many places in Greece and Cyprus still use loud fireworks, especially for Orthodox Easter. In some rural areas, people even shoot guns to celebrate. These traditions can be dangerous and have caused injuries. But cities like Athens and Nicosia are leading the way with drones. Drones are a high-tech alternative that are safe, quiet, and eco-friendly. They can create amazing light displays without the noise and pollution of fireworks. For Cyprus, this is also a way to showcase their culture and EU symbolism, as they take on the EU presidency in 2026.