ENTERTAINMENT | Int’l fireworks contest kicks off in September

This year’s Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is scheduled to take place on September 5, 12, 19, 27 and October 1 on the promenade in front of the Macau Tower. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has announced that ten competing teams will brighten up the city’s night skyline with spectacular fireworks.
The annual event,  currently in its 27th year, is known as one of the most stunning events on Macau’s calendar, attracting many well-known fireworks companies from across the globe. The organizer, MGTO, recognized that it attracts visitors from a variety of places, all flocking into town for the fireworks show every year.
During a press conference this week, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes unveiled the highlights of this year’s program, such as performances by teams from France and Austria during the Mid-Autumn Festival and World Tourism Day (September 27), and a celebration of the Chinese National Day (October 1) by teams from mainland China and Australia.
The lineup also includes teams from Malaysia, Portugal, Finland, Taiwan, Korea, and Italy. Among these teams, Malaysia and Finland are new to the contest, and the companies from Italy and France will make their debut in Macau.
“Overall the teams demonstrate competitive experience and are ready to bring myriad spectacular displays for both residents and visitors,” stated the organizer.
The other six teams participated in the contest in Macau before, and some of them ranked among the top positions. Dancing Fireworks from mainland China won the second prize in the contest in 2013. The company is also experienced in creating fireworks shows for different mega-events, including the opening and closing ceremonies of 2008 Beijing Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China.
This year, MGTO is again requesting that the teams choreograph their firework displays to both music and laser light projections to enhance the audience’s experience with a more spectacular light and sound elements.