New Year’s Eve celebrations across Germany were notably calmer than in previous years, though some incidents occurred. In Bielefeld, two 18-year-olds died after suffering fatal facial injuries caused by homemade fireworks. In Leipzig, police and emergency services were attacked with pyrotechnics.
Berlin police reported more than 400 arrests by 1 a.m. on January 1, despite increased security measures aimed at preventing riots similar to those seen in past years.
Berlin welcomed 2026 with a seven-and-a-half-minute fireworks display at the Brandenburg Gate. The city government canceled the traditional New Year’s Eve party with live performances, replacing it with a DJ concert at the same location.
In Hamburg, thousands celebrated the New Year at a ZDF-organized event despite rainy weather. For the first time, the “Silvester in Concert” show was held on a floating stage on the Elbe River, rather than at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Sources - Agencies
