FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesNeighbourhood LifeA Capodanno ci saranno i fuochi d'artificio.
A2

A Capodanno ci saranno i fuochi d'artificio.

At New Year there will be fireworks.

Pronunciation

fwoh-ki dar-ti-FI-cho — 'fuochi' has two syllables; stress the second of artificio.

When to use it

Use this to prepare or warn neighbours (and their pets) about New Year's fireworks. In Italian apartment buildings, Capodanno (New Year's Eve) fireworks noise is intense and expected — but worth communicating about, especially with neighbours who have animals.

What it means

Capodanno (New Year's Eve) in Italy involves both official and unofficial (and partly illegal) fireworks (fuochi d'artificio). Italian cities are famous for their spectacular — and chaotic — New Year's celebrations. Neighbours warn each other about fireworks as a social courtesy and animal owners appreciate advance notice to manage their pets' anxiety.

Variations

I botti di Capodanno spaventano il mio cane.

The New Year's firecrackers scare my dog.

Botti (firecrackers/bangers) are particularly alarming for animals; inform neighbours about this.

Quest'anno il comune organizza uno spettacolo pirotecnico.

This year the municipality is organising a fireworks display.

Official fireworks events are safer and more predictable than private ones.

I petardi in strada sono vietati ma accade lo stesso.

Firecrackers in the street are banned but it happens anyway.

Acknowledges the gap between law and practice in Italian New Year celebrations.

Mini Dialogue

— A Capodanno ci saranno i fuochi d'artificio — avviso per chi ha animali. — Grazie! Il mio gatto si spaventa molto. Lo tengo dentro con la musica accesa. — Buona idea. Anche il mio cane soffre. Uso un prodotto calmante. — Buono a sapersi! Dove lo trovi? — In farmacia o dal veterinario.

— At New Year there will be fireworks — warning for those with animals. — Thank you! My cat gets very scared. I'll keep it inside with music on. — Good idea. My dog suffers too. I use a calming product. — Good to know! Where do you find it? — At the pharmacy or the vet.

Cultural Note

Italy's New Year's Eve fireworks culture is unique in Europe for its intensity and informality. Millions of private citizens purchase and fire their own fireworks and firecrackers (botti), often illegally, in residential streets and courtyards. Italy has 20-30 fireworks-related casualties on New Year's Eve annually — despite repeated campaigns and local bans. The government has progressively tightened restrictions but enforcement remains challenging on this one night of the year.