Rostock is discussing a quiet zone on Warnemünde Beach for New Year's Eve 2025!

Rostock is discussing a quiet zone on Warnemünde Beach for New Year's Eve 2025!

There are signs of controversial discussions in Rostock. In view of the annually recurring shards and rocket remains on the beach that are collected during New Year's coastal cleanup, the Green Party's proposal to the citizens has once again put the issue of quiet areas on New Year's Eve on the agenda. This application, submitted by Anja Eggert and Felix Winter, describes fireworks as a burden on people, animals and the environment and calls for the Warnemünde beach to be converted into a rest and protection zone. NDR reports that fireworks are traditionally part of New Year's Eve in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, especially at the picturesque city harbor and Warnemünde Beach, where the night is often celebrated with spectacular fireworks.

But the application is not without controversy. The Warnemünde local council recently rejected it because the majority of members are against quiet areas on the beach. The reasons for this are varied: some see the proposal as too short-term, while others consider that a ban could be difficult to control. The chairman of the local advisory board, Axel Tolksdorff, also points out that the proximity to the water already guarantees a certain level of fire protection. Instead of a ban, he suggests that the city should instead organize beach cleaning machines to solve the post-fireworks trash problem.

Tradition vs. modernity

The tradition of fireworks stands in stark contrast to the increasingly loud voices calling for greater consideration for peace and the environment. Similar trends can also be observed in other cities: the Lower Saxony Medical Association has suggested a specialist test for small fireworks, while at the same time parties of all stripes are speaking out against a general ban on fireworks. The discussion about quiet zones will continue on December 19th in the Rostock town hall. A final decision on this issue is still pending, but times are changing and citizens are excited.

Stephan Porst from the Greens regretted the rejection of the application, but showed understanding for the tradition-conscious critics. In the past, there have been several serious injuries and significant fire damage on New Year's Eve in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a further incentive for a possible revision of the fireworks regulations in the region. It remains to be seen how the citizens will react to these challenges and whether there will be a quieter celebration in Warnemünde next New Year's Eve.