Early firecracker use upsets Zagreb neighbourhoods

Residents in several Zagreb neighbourhoods are complaining about firecracker noise weeks before the legal period, prompting warnings and calls for police reports.

In the Novi Zagreb neighbourhood of Trnsko, a woman took to a local social media group to say that her dog is already trembling during evening walks because of the bangs. She reminded neighbours that under Croatia's Law on Explosive Substances and the Production and Trade of Weapons, throwing firecrackers is only allowed for adults from 27 December to 1 January. Violations can result in fines of up to a few thousand euros, depending on the category of explosive.

"Since my dog already shakes when it's time to go out in the evening and this agony will last until mid‑January, I plan to call the police on anyone I see throwing them," she wrote. She urged other residents to do the same to "put an end to this tyranny."

Similar complaints have come from Kustošija, where a resident described almost nightly bangs. "Every evening there are firecrackers and smaller 'explosions'. Last night around 8 pm, then 10 pm, 11 pm... The stretch between Zagrebačka and Tomislavova. Is it children or...?" he wrote.

Police have not yet commented on the reports, but the legal window for firecracker use is still nearly two months away. Residents are encouraged to report any illegal use to the authorities.