Sofia, December 31 (BTA) - A light show in Sofia's central Battenberg Square is celebrating the start of the new year. BTA is a partner of the initiative and is streaming the entire event on its website.

This way of celebrating New Year's Eve takes into account both the required pandemic measures and the anti-fireworks campaign led by the animal welfare organization Four Paws, said Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova.

A new regulation against the use of fireworks is being drafted by the local authorities. It has the support of all political parties in the Municipal Council and the Mayor expects it to be adopted in early 2022.

"With this initiative we encourage people not to use or at least to reduce the use of fireworks and firecrackers over the holidays. We are aware that the problem is far from exclusive to midnight on New Year's Eve and that fireworks are also used extensively the days before and after. The loud noise from the pyrotechnics causes stress to animals, babies and children with disabilities," wrote Fandakova.

She pointed out the significant rise in air pollution caused by the fireworks, especially in cold windless weather. It prevents the fine particulate matter from dispersing and people breathe it.

Four Paws have a traditional campaign against the use of pyrotechnics during the New Year's celebrations. This year it is mottoed "Beautiful to us is terrifying to them" and reminds people that loud noises cause extreme stress in animals. Due to the increased risk of the animal getting disorientated and lost, the organization encourages owners to walk their pets on leashes during the holiday season and to make sure the animal wears a tag with its owner's phone number.

Several other towns, including Stara Zagora and Simitli, have already given up their firework shows for New Year's Eve.

Source: Sofia