Bratislava mayor Matúš Vallo speaks to the Bratislava crowds on December 31, 2022. (source: Facebook/Bratislava - hlavné mesto SR)
Bratislava is joining other Slovak towns and will not welcome 2024 with fireworks. The reasons are environmental as well as economical.
“The budget shortfalls are forcing us all to save and tens of thousands of euros shooting fireworks at the sky are the one item that may be missed elsewhere,” said Peter Bubla, Bratislava’s spokesperson. The Bratislava budget is proposed at more than €601.8 million.
Bubla noted that the city is seeing more and more requests to enter the new year peacefully and without fireworks.
In Bratislava, amateur pyrotechnics have been prohibited since 2016. Slovakia will ban the use and the purchase of some pyrotechnics from January 2, 2024.
Countdown
Nevertheless, residents and visitors of Bratislava will not lose out on the countdown in the last seconds of the departing year.
“We invite all those who associate the arrival of the new year by celebrating in the streets of our city to Hviezdoslavovo Square,” said Bubla. He adds that together they can count down the last seconds of the old year at the traditional light countdown clock in front of the historic building of the Slovak National Theatre.
The “unison countdown”, the scenery of the historic SND building, the first wishes of the New Year and hugs with loved ones, and Strauss’ waltz under the open sky will create a magical moment at the turning of the year, promises the capital.
In addition to celebrations in the city centre, there will be a countdown and fireworks display projected on the first Slovak skyscraper in the capital, Eurovea Tower, that is visible from a broad surrounding area.
Christmas Market
The New Year’s Eve atmosphere will be completed by the Old Town and Main Christmas Market on Hviezdoslav and Main Square, which will be open until 2 a.m.
Last year, Bratislava did experience professional fireworks. They were not prepared by the city but the government office on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the independent Slovak Republic.
Public transport on New Year's Eve
Tram lines 3 and 9 will run non-stop, and it will be possible to transfer between them at the Blumentál stop. The route of tram line 9 from approx. 23:40 (to Dúbravka) and 00:10 (to Astronomická) will be extended to the borough of Dúbravka (Astronomická – Kapucínska – Kútiky – Dúbravka, Pri kríži) along the route of tram line 4.
Night public transport lines (with the exception of N56, N91 and N99) will operate throughout the night in 30-minute intervals.
Tram lines 4, 9 and night bus lines will run more frequently during New Year's Eve and Day. Still, their operation will be adapted to the demand of passengers.
During the New Year's Eve celebrations, the Bratislava Public Transport Company will turn off and mechanically secure against damage 110 ticket machines. The reason is repeated vandalism during the celebrations, the company said. Passengers can use the IDS BK mobile app, SMS, and the Kartuj service (card payment) to buy a public transport ticket.
