Nicosia, Cyprus. Police have intensified efforts ahead of Easter to address juvenile delinquency and uncontrolled firework displays, bomb squad officer Paris Kyriakou said on Saturday. He reported 11,000 seizures of fireworks and firecrackers in 2026, with most being firecrackers.
Seizures and trends
Kyriakou said the 2026 figures follow a similar trend to 2025, when almost half of the 20,500 fireworks seized, or 9,000 in total, were firecrackers.
Illegality and penalties
He said storing, transporting and possessing firecrackers is illegal, and that licenses for launching fireworks do not include firecrackers. He said offences are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Warnings over homemade devices
Kyriakou warned that homemade firecrackers are more dangerous than factory-made ones. He appealed to those using them to recognise they are handling an explosive object, could face consequences of an explosion, and could threaten their life and wellbeing.
Awareness and enforcement campaign
He said police have launched an awareness campaign on the dangers of firecrackers and fireworks while also conducting a campaign to curb juvenile delinquency. Measures include media and social media messaging, patrols in “high-risk areas” such as parks, open spaces, churches and other locations where illegal pyrotechnics have been reported, and visits to schools to inform pupils.
Entry points and reported sources
Kyriakou said heightened patrols are being carried out along legal entry points where illicit fireworks are believed to be smuggled across the Green Line. He said many are imported from Spain and Poland, while most firecrackers smuggled across the Green Line originate in Turkey.
Municipal concerns over Easter bonfires
Larnaca mayor and president of the union of Cyprus municipalities Andreas Vyras told CNA that the situation around traditional Easter bonfires, lambradjies, and associated practices is “very worrying.”
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