It shouldn’t be surprising to find a string of great fireworks display events near the birthplace of fireworks: China. One of our favourite fireworks contest takes place in the autonomous region of Macao, right on the south coast of China. The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will light up the night sky and we for one can’t wait for the YouTube videos!
What is the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest about?
The contest will return in its 29th year, with ten international teams competing to take home the trophy. Macao International Fireworks Display Contest takes place on five nights, ending each year on October 1st. The sea area right in front of the famous Macao Tower will light up from fireworks in 2017 on the following nights:
- 2nd September
- 9th September
- 16th September
- 23rd September
- 1st October
The displays will take place at 9pm and 9.40pm. But there will also be other carnival events taking place next to the Macao Tower. The Fireworks Carnival will start at 5pm and conclude at 11pm on the above days. Residents can even compete in different drawing and photography contests to celebrate their love of fireworks.
What about the fireworks displays? Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is unique in that the displays don’t just have to combine fireworks and music. You’ll also need to choreograph lasers into your display – quite a challenge!
The groups are also provided with a single theme for the night. It’s then their job to ensure the music, the fireworks and the light show fits the theme. It’s resulted in some stunning displays in the past – check out the below clip from last year’s winner Maratamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co. from Japan.
Who is competing in the Contest in 2017?
The year will feature four new entrants and six teams that have competed in Macao before. Now, don’t think the newcomers are inexperienced – each of the four teams has won first places and other prizes in big fireworks competitions around the world. The teams making their debut in the Contest are:
- Cardile International Fireworks Pty Ltd from Australia
- Alpha Pyrotechnie from France
- Dragon Fireworks Inc. from the Philippines
- Liuyang New Year Fireworks Trading Co. Ltd. from China
In addition to the four, six teams will return to compete in the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest in 2017. These teams are:
- FIREevent – De Feueerwerker from Austria
- MLE Pyrotechnics Limited from the UK
- Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co. Ltd. from Japan
- Potsdamer Feuerwerk GmbH from Germany
- Panzera S.A.S from Italy
- Grupo Luso Pirotecnia from Portugal
As you might have noticed, the Japanese team will return to defend its victory from last year. The UK is also represented – MLE Pyrotechnics is having a busy summer and autumn, as they are also organising the Firework Champions events. You can see us perform in one of the events as well!
Getting involved with Macao International Fireworks Display Contest 2017
You might not be able to take a flight to Macao to see the displays in person, but you can find plenty of content online. YouTube has a good selection of videos available so keep your eyes open after the events! You can also buy some fireworks online and organise your own show to brighten up the darkening nights.
