Fireworks competition back after hiatus
After a hiatus of three years, the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is returning to the skies of Macau next week for its 31st edition.
At a press conference held yesterday, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented the details of the event that spans from Sept. 9 to Oct. 7 and that aims to take advantage of the National Day “Golden Week” to attract more visitors to Macau.
As in the past, firework companies from ten countries will compete for the best fireworks performance.
This year, as usual, the six integrated resort enterprises are partner entities for the event that also includes some outreach programs.
At the press conference, MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the MGTO is committed to deepening integration across “tourism +”.
She added that the return of this event, one of the most iconic from the pre-pandemic program, “not only creates a magnificent extravaganza for residents and visitors, but also symbolizes reconnection between Macau and the world, while life all over the globe is returning to normalcy.”
Senna Fernandes also expressed hopes that the “colorful experiences brought by the [fireworks] contest can fascinate travelers of ‘tourism + event’ at different corners of the city.”
10 fireworks shows over five weekends
As in previous years, the contest will stage 10 fireworks shows, each lasting about 18 minutes, over the five evenings starting Sept. 9, and then continuing through to Sept. 16 and 23, Oct. 1 (National Day) and closing Oct. 7.
The contest participants will be representing Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Russia, Philippines, Japan, China, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Germany. The contestants from Switzerland, Austria, Russia, Philippines and China are making their debut, while the other five teams have previously entered the contest.
Following the last two fireworks shows on Oct. 7, a prize-giving ceremony will be hosted to reveal the winners.
The first show of the evening will take place at 9 p.m., followed by a second (from a different team) at 9:40 p.m.
The MGTO recommends residents and visitors spread out over the five common viewing points including the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre to Leisure Area of Kun Iam Statue Waterfront, the waterfront at the Macao Science Center, Anim’Arte NAM VAN, Avenida de Sagres (next to Mandarin Oriental, Macau) and Avenida do Oceano in Taipa.
Winner chosen via online voting
To enhance residents’ and visitors’ engagement in the shows, spectators will be able to vote via online promotional posts or by scanning the QR code at fireworks-viewing zones. The votes will help determine the winner and allow voters to enter a lucky draw to win prizes and special offers by merchants. Voters who voted for the eventual winner will automatically be eligible for a final lucky draw.
