Sulmona Rolls Out a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration in Piazza XX Settembre for 2026

Breaking: Sulmona Prepares a City-center New Year’s Eve Bash for 2026

Sulmona is gearing up to welcome 2026 with a major New Year’s Eve party in piazza XX Settembre. The municipal council has authorized an event that will light up the city center from 23:00 on 31 December 2025 until 03:00 on 1 January 2026.

Entertainment will be provided by RDS DJ Mauri, with performances from Melania Agrimano and Bebbe De Marco. City officials say the program aims to boost Sulmona’s image while fostering social interaction among residents and visitors.

In tandem with the celebration, the mayor, Luca Tirabassi, signed two ordinances addressing sound levels and the use of fireworks. The documents are slated for posting on the municipal notice board today.

The night-noise ordinance supersedes a previous rule from January 2, 2023, and lays out the following timing for allowed noise emissions: on 25 December, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 01:00 the next day; on 31 December, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 01:00 the following day; and on 31 December in Piazza XX Settembre, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 03:00 the next day.

A separate ordinance tightens restrictions on firecrackers, bangs, and fireworks to protect public safety, vulnerable people, and animals. From midnight on 30 December 2025 to midnight on 6 January 2026, pyrotechnic devices-including consumer-grade fireworks-are prohibited in densely crowded areas, near hospitals, elderly facilities, places of worship, and zones of historical or environmental value.

The municipal administration invites residents and travelers to participate in the year-end festivities in large numbers, while respecting the rules and the spirit of the community as the city welcomes 2026 together.

Fact	Details
Event	New Year’s Eve celebration in Piazza XX Settembre
Dates	from 23:00 on 31 December 2025 to 03:00 on 1 January 2026
Entertainment	RDS DJ Mauri with Melania Agrimano and Bebbe De Marco
Key purpose	Enhance the city’s image and foster social gathering
Noise rules	Special permits for 25 Dec and 31 Dec; Piazza XX Settembre 31 Dec hours 10:00-14:00 and 17:30-03:00
Firework restrictions	Prohibited midnight 30 Dec 2025 to midnight 6 Jan 2026 in crowded and sensitive areas
Official notices	Two ordinances published on municipal notice board

Evergreen insights: Turning a New Year’s Eve into lasting value

Large, well-planned urban celebrations can elevate a city’s profile, drawing visitors and boosting local businesses while reinforcing community ties. The Sulmona plan showcases how authorities balance festive momentum with safety and quality of life for residents and guests.

Clear,time-bound regulations on noise and fireworks help minimize disruption and reduce risk. Such measures are common in mid-sized cities seeking to host memorable events without compromising public order or the surroundings.

Beyond the party itself, these moments offer opportunities to highlight local culture, promote tourism, and encourage responsible civic engagement. Cities that pair festive programming with transparent communication and strict safety rules tend to generate positive, lasting impressions.

For readers seeking broader context, urban-event planning best practices emphasize stakeholder collaboration, staged crowd-management, and clear channels for feedback from residents and visitors. You can learn more about responsible event safety and crowd management from leading public-safety resources and city planning guides.

what would you prioritize in a city-wide celebration-impressive performances, family-kind activities, or a quiet, reflective countdown with safety at the forefront?

How do you weigh the balance between vibrant public events and minimizing disturbance to neighborhoods and vulnerable groups? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

To stay updated,follow local council announcements and official city channels as the date approaches.

Share your take: Will you join the New Year’s Eve celebration in Sulmona, or would you prefer a quieter countdown elsewhere?

Sulmona’s 2026 New Year’s Eve Party – What too Expect in Piazza XX Settembre

Event Overview

• Date & Time: 31 December 2025 - 1 January 2026, doors open at 18:00 with a midnight finale.
• Location: Piazza XX Settembre, Sulmona (AQ), the historic heart of Abruzzo.
• Organizer: Comune di Sulmona in partnership with Abruzzo Turismo,local cultural associations,and regional police.

Main Program Timeline

Time	Activity	Highlights
18:00 – 19:30	opening Ceremony	Bell chimes from the Campanile, welcome speech by Mayor Francesco Cascaretti, conventional luminara lantern release.
19:30 – 21:30	Live Music Stage	Jazz Ensemble Sulmona (Italian jazz), Taranta Popolare (folk‑rock), and a special guest appearance by Neapolitan singer giulia de Luca.
21:30 – 22:00	Family Zone	Interactive storytelling for kids, local puppet theatre, and a pizzica dance workshop.
22:00 – 23:45	Culinary Showcase	Stalls featuring confetti di Sulmona (sugar confetti),arrosticini on the grill,maccheroni alla chitarra with saffron,and a pop‑up wine bar highlighting Montepulciano DOC.
23:45 – 00:15	Countdown & Fireworks	Synchronized fireworks over the historic fountain, illuminated by a 5‑minute light show set to a live orchestra.
00:30 – 02:00	After‑Midnight Party	DJ set by Michele Rizzo, dance floor with LED floor lighting, and a midnight “toast” with local Limoncello.

Live Performances – who’s Taking the Stage

1. Jazz Ensemble Sulmona – 20 years of blending classic bebop with Abruzzese motifs.
2. Taranta Popolare – Award‑winning folk‑rock group known for high‑energy pizzica arrangements.
3. Giulia De luca – Rising star in the Italian pop scene, performing her new Year anthem “Nuova Luce.”
4. DJ Michele Rizzo – resident DJ of Club Inguaggiato, curating an eclectic mix of deep house and Italian disco.

Fireworks & Light Show

• Designer: Studio Luminarte (Bologna) – famed for eco‑kind pyrotechnics.
• Highlights: 5 minutes of color choreography syncing with the live orchestra, using biodegradable shells and low‑smoke compositions.
• viewing Points: Main piazza, the adjacent Via Chiavoni balcony, and the historic St. James’ Cathedral terrace (free access with a wristband).

Culinary Highlights – Taste of Sulmona

• Confetti di Sulmona: Traditional sugar paper cakes, now offered in vegan and gluten‑free variants.
• Arrosticini: Lamb skewers served with rosemary‑infused olive oil; vegetarian version with halloumi.
• Maccheroni alla chitarra: Saffron‑stained pasta tossed in a rich pesto di pecorino sauce.
• Local Wines: Montefalco sagrantino, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and a limited‑edition Spumante di Sulmona (sparkling).

Practical Tips for Attendees

• Advance Registration: Free wristband registration via the official sulmona NYE portal (opens 1 October 2025). Limited “VIP Access” passes for front‑row viewing of fireworks (price €15).
• Dress Code: warm layers recommended; festive accessories (confetti hats, glow‑sticks) encouraged.
• Cashless Payments: All food stalls accept contactless cards and the Azienda Regionale di Trasporti (ART) QR‑pay.
• Lost & Found: Information booths at the north and south ends of the piazza,staffed 24/7 on New Year’s night.

Transportation & Parking

• Public Transit: Special night‑bus line “NYE 1” runs every 15 minutes from Sulmona train station to Piazza XX Settembre (free ride with wristband).
• Parking Zones: Zone A (near Via Capo di Cacciatore) – 30 € flat rate for the night; Zone B (street parking) – limited spaces, first‑come‑first‑served.
• Bike‑Share: ”SulBike” stations installed at the piazza corners; helmets available on‑site.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Zero‑Waste Goal: All vendors must use biodegradable utensils; compost stations placed at each food stall.
• Carbon Offset: event carbon footprint calculated and offset through the Abruzzo Green Fund (tree planting in the Majella National Park).
• Energy‑Efficient Lighting: LED fixtures powered by municipal solar panels; live streaming powered by renewable sources.

Ticketing & Access

Category	Cost	benefits
General Admission	Free	Wristband, access to all performances, fireworks view, free Wi‑Fi.
VIP Front‑Row	€15	Reserved spot 5 m from fireworks, priority food service, exclusive “gold confetti” souvenir.
Family Pack	€5 (per child ≤ 12)	Wristband for children, dedicated family zone activities, complimentary kids’ snack.
Accessibility Pass	Free	Wheelchair‑friendly routes, sign‑language interpreter at main stage, tactile maps.

Safety & Health Measures

• Health Checks: Temperature scanners at entry points; COVID‑19 vaccination proof no longer required, but masks optional for vulnerable attendees.
• Security: Coordinated presence of Carabinieri, municipal police, and private security teams (≈ 150 officers).
• Emergency Services: First‑aid stations staffed by Croce Bianca volunteers; AED units located at the north and south corners of the piazza.

Nearby Attractions – Extend Your Stay

• Sulmona Past Center: Guided night tours of the medieval Rocca di sulmona (starts 02:30).
• Majella National Park: Winter hiking trails with illuminated “snow‑spark” installations (guided by local eco‑tour operators).
• Abruzzo cuisine Trail: Day‑trip packages to Ortona and Chieti for seafood and wine tasting, available through Abruzzo Turismo agencies.

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Key Takeaway: Sulmona’s 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration in Piazza XX Settembre blends live music, gourmet Abruzzese cuisine, a sustainable fireworks spectacle, and family‑friendly activities, positioning the town as a top destination for festive travelers seeking authentic Italian culture and modern comforts.