In view of the current geopolitical situation and the energy crisis, Latvia’s major cities do not want to organize fireworks for the New Year’s celebration this year.
The mayors have reached the agreement in informal talks, the representative of the Association of Mayors of Latvian Cities, Viktors Valainis, told Leta news agency on Friday. If a city decides to act otherwise, it will not be prevented from doing so.
According to Valainis, many people enjoy the fireworks at the end of the year, but taking into consideration that many refugees from the Ukrainian war have arrived in Latvia and may feel uncomfortable with the loud bangs, they will be canceled this year.
In addition, local entities have considered that the energy crisis demands taking measures to save money, Valainis said. Available funds that are not earmarked for the fireworks will go to help those in need, according to the local representative.
The agreement only applies to public fireworks. In previous years major cities in the Baltic countries of the European Union and NATO have always organized fireworks to celebrate the new year. In the capital, Riga, the show was broadcast on television.
In the last two new years, however, there were no fireworks because of the coronavirus pandemic. Private fireworks displays are not common in Latvia.
