NICO Introduction & History
Introduction NICO Europe - get to know us!
NICO is one of the most successful fireworks companies in the DACH region. Fireworks and pyrotechnics – that is our passion. Our slogan: WE LIVE FIREWORKS. With over 100 years of experience in selling New Year’s Eve and year-round fireworks, we are true professionals.
Our fireworks products are the result of our commitment to innovation and quality. We use only the finest materials and have a team of experts who are constantly working to create the perfect fireworks display. With our innovative designs and excellent customer service, we can provide you with an unforgettable fireworks experience. Our extensive line of fireworks products includes a variety of colors and effects to add a unique touch to your events and celebrations.
As a leading manufacturer of fireworks, we offer unique and innovative products that will make your events and celebrations unforgettable. Our goal is to provide you with the best fireworks experience and deliver a wide range of high quality and modern fireworks products.
You can enjoy the impressive colors and effects of NICO fireworks at well-known large fireworks shows. At the annual fireworks at the Japan Day, the closing fireworks of the Rhine Fair in Düsseldorf or at Rhine in Flames from Spay to Koblenz you can see the great sky artworks. The NICO pyrotechnicians also stage fireworks themselves at major events, festivals and functions. There, high-altitude, indoor and stage fireworks as well as pyrotechnical special effects at the highest level are used. We also regularly demonstrate our skills and expertise at national and international competitions.
Historical timeline
NICO Europe GmbH can look back on a long history whose development began as early as the middle of the 19th century. This tradition makes us proud and at the same time means a great responsibility. The timeline will automatically guide you through this little journey of time.
Start of the history
Foundation of NICO
Foundation of the VPI
Nico Pyrotechnik Hanns-Jürgen Diederichs GmbH & Co KG
Liebenwein-Schult
Pyrotechnik Silberhütte
Oskar Lünig pyrotechnics factory
NICO Lüning Event
New location in Remscheid
Introduction of composite fireworks
First “eco line”
Open house day
New warehouse location
Nico Feuerwerk
Battery fireworks
Trillenium®- Step fireworks
Simultaneous fireworks
Anniversary celebration
Product videos
"Welcome 2001 - Berlin Open End"
New partners
"Paperless Office"
NICO Europe
Bengal fireworks
New office in China
Office in China is officially audited
first unicorn firework
To protect the environment
fireworks4peace
NICO Smoke
Company anniversary
History of Fireworks
Fireworks - how it all began...
It is generally believed that the monk Berthold Schwarz invented gunpowder. But even in ancient China, colorful fireworks were enjoyed. It is assumed that this art came from China via the Near East to Greece and Italy and finally to Europe.
The term “pyrotechnics” that is used a lot these days comes from the Greek word for fire, “pyros”, godfather. The use of “pitch & brimstone” has been handed down since the 5th century. Black powder was probably invented by the Chinese around 1200 AD and rediscovered in Europe around 1400 AD. In the 14th century, people learned how to amplify the flames of a burning pile of wood using swarmers and rockets.
History of pyrotechnics
In Italy, the custom of organizing magnificent artificial fireworks then arose. This also became more and more popular at German princely courts. Secular and spiritual rulers competed for the most magnificent spectacle of colors. Painters, sculptors and architects were commissioned to carry it out. Her goal was to skilfully incorporate the backdrops of palaces and castles, towers and bridges into the scenery.
Many composers felt inspired by the fire artworks, e.g. B. Georg Friedrich Handel for his well-known fireworks music. Over the course of the centuries, the early pyrotechnicians developed the small firework items from the giant courtly fireworks, which are now indispensable as social New Year’s entertainment.
Fireworks worldwide
In southern Europe, the Easter celebrations are “ignited”, in China the New Year is the occasion for a wonderful fire spectacle, in Great Britain the “Guy Fawkes Day” on November 5th is taken as an opportunity to organize fireworks, while the French every year for the Celebrate the “Storming of the Bastille” with rockets, firecrackers and fountains on July 14th. In Switzerland, on August 1st, the Swiss national holiday is “fired up” and in the USA, “Independence Day” is duly celebrated on July 4th and crowned with a corresponding fireworks display.
No matter where in the world people have an occasion: Celebrating with fireworks is always a celebration!
Historical illustrations from the NICO archive
Courtesy of the Pyrotechnic Industry Association.