Our Desk | The fireworks fever

Lynzy Valles

The ongoing international fireworks competition has been attracting crowds to experience activities around the vicinity of Nam Van Lake area, Macao Tower and the old bridge.
This year, the tourism bureau announced that it had increased the event to six days in length, inviting 12 pyrotechnic teams to present the fireworks display.
The annual international competition had also increased its budget to MOP24 million, 15% more than last year.
Even hotels from the neighboring region have offered promotions so that diners can enjoy the show, visible even from Zhuhai.
According to the Macao Government Tourism Office, the bureau partnered with Macau Cruise this year, allowing residents and visitors to view the fireworks while on a cruise.
Last weekend, I decided to be part of the crowd as it has been several years since I’ve watched a fireworks show.
It was almost impossible to make my way through the crowds since there was a massive number of people with cameras and children on their shoulders.
Every firework that popped – particularly if there were heart or star shapes; or even one that was particularly big – the public started to cheer more loudly – creating excitement and a new vibe in the site.
“Woah, ho tat yi ah!” (It’s so cute!) some would scream. “Woah, yao xing xing wor!” (There are stars!) others would say.
The 12 pyrotechnic teams choreographed 18-minute fireworks shows to background songs such as “Light Your Fire,” – the song that won the bureau’s songwriting contest last year.
Apparently, the background music could just be heard in the site nearby Macao Tower, which was the official place of the event.
I think it just has a different vibe to be there and be amongst the residents that actually enjoy watching fireworks.
Let’s admit it. It is rare to find a crowd around that vicinity – even after several measures were placed to attract locals and visitors to visit Nam Van.
The government, as announced back in 2016, described Anim’Arte Nam Van as “a new landmark for leisure, culture and creativity,” which aims to cater to cultural and creative entrepreneurs.
According to the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, the leisure hub “breathes a new dynamic into the neighborhood but also enables residents and visitors to unwind, relax and experience the beauty of Macau.”
I reckon the Anim’Arte Nam Van just gathers people whenever festive events occur, such as the Macau Lantern Festival, Macau Light Festival – which should be happening in a few months – and other activities such as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Cooking Show which was held earlier this year.
However, government organizers should still come up with promotion efforts and campaigns for the area.
Although many consider the leisure place as a good activity area for friends and family, many would also agree that it still lacks attractions, particularly during weekdays.
Previously, the Sports Bureau, one of the government bureaus that manages Anim’Arte, said that “MGTO has been putting in efforts to promote this project. Tesidents and visitors are getting to know about this new landmark, while other departments will continue to improve and enhance the diversity of elements in the Anim’Arte.”
Although I’m still not sure what it meant by “diversity of elements,” I hope we could look forward to more activities that would draw crowds – crowds that would stay and spend their hours at the site.