Thousands of firecrackers seized in Cyprus ahead of Easter

Cyprus police have stepped up their campaign against the use of firecrackers and illegal pyrotechnics ahead of Easter.

According to Kyriakou, the campaign to prevent juvenile delinquency related to the use of firecrackers and traditional Easter bonfires, known as 'lambradjia', began about two months ago and is being carried out jointly with local authorities and the fire service. The peak of inspections is expected during Holy Week.

Since the beginning of 2026, police have already seized about 11,000 pyrotechnic items, the vast majority of which are firecrackers. For comparison, 20,500 pyrotechnic products were confiscated in 2025, including 9,000 firecrackers.

Police remind that possession, transport, and use of firecrackers are illegal and can be punished by up to 10 years in prison, as they are considered explosives.

Law enforcement warns of the serious danger of such products. Last year, a series of severe incidents occurred during the Easter holidays:

• a 22-year-old young man died from a fatal injury while setting up a bonfire,

• a 40-year-old man was injured by a thrown firecracker,

• two minors suffered severe injuries and amputations due to firecracker explosions.

Simultaneously, municipalities, along with the police and fire service, regularly remove wood and other materials that could be used for bonfires.

Larnaca Mayor and head of the Union of Municipalities Andreas Vyras stated that the situation is a cause for serious concern. According to him, the tradition of Easter bonfires should only be observed on Holy Saturday near churches under safety measures, whereas many cases occurring today are more related to violations and pose a threat to people.

Authorities urge citizens not to use firecrackers and to report illegal sales of pyrotechnics to prevent further tragedies.