MACAU INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CONTEST
WHAT: MACAU INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY CONTEST
WHY: INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION
WHEN: 8th SEPTEMBER – 1st OCTOBER 2015
WHERE: MACAU TOWER – MACAU TOWER SHORE FRONT, MACAU, CHINA
This year sees the 27th Annual Macau International Display Contest getting bigger and better than ever. The event is to be held on 5 concurrent Saturday’s throughout September and into early October with representing teams from all over the World. The host nation attaches great importance to cultural heritage. In fact, the firecracker industry used to be one of the biggest businesses in Macau, and fireworks, being a significant element in Macau's cultural heritage, also has a long history in Portugal.
Macau is a small peninsula in mainland China, just west of Hong Kong and is best known for its casino’s and widespread gambling establishments. It is listed as THE most densely populated region of the World with almost 700,000 living in an area just 30.3km.
The region was originally a Portuguese colony between 1557 and 1999 when the region was handed back to China. In fact one of the most visited places on Macau are the ‘Ruins of St Paul’ which was originally the church of Mater Dei (Mother of God) and it was built-in the first part of the 17th century.
To celebrate this 'colourful' history and cultural inheritance, Macau started to stage the annual "Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" from 1989 to demonstrate the unique vibes of Macau when the magnificent fireworks light up Macau's stunning scenery.
Now in its 27th year, the Macau Government Tourist Office subsidise teams 25% for fireworks materials and a further increase in funding for the transportation costs. This has been done to give a level playing field, ensuring that all teams are competing at the same level. The prize money is:
1st Prize $8000.00
2nd Prize $4000.00
3rd Prize $2500.00
In previous years, all pyrotechnic materials used for use by the overseas teams had to be stored in one container which limited some of the performances as opposed to the local and regional teams who were able to ‘bring along’ whatever they wanted. From here on in, the visiting teams can use two containers and the regional and local teams must comply with the same amount of pyro.
The rules of competition are clear that the teams must choreograph a firework display to music and the best example should give the impression of ‘dancing fireworks’ during their musical interpretation.
The annual event not only lights up the nights of Macau, but also the hearts of spectators. Local residents look forward to the marvellous fireworks displays that add a joyous atmosphere to holidays and festivals. The Contest has also become an annual characteristic of Macau. Many visitors specially choose this time of the year to come to Macau to enjoy an exotic and romantic holiday.
The Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has grown over the years into an internationally acclaimed event, one of the best of its kind and the local Tourist Office will continue to work towards advancing the event's international status and reputation, with the vision to bring about the world's most prominent international fireworks display.
For the remainder of the time, there is plenty to do away from the fireworks and the gambling most notably enjoying the Grand Prix Museum and the Macau Wine Museum – what more could you want: Wine, fireworks and Cars.
The teams and the itinerary are as follows
Tuesday 8th September 2015
21:00
Taiwan
Syyuan Fireworks Co Ltd
Sunday 13th September 2015
21:00
China
HunanJing Tai Fireworks Co Ltd
Sunday 20th September 2015
21:00
Korea
Daehan Fireworks Co
21:30
Poland
Surex Fireworks
22:00
Croatia
Mirnovec Pirotehnika
Sunday 27th September 2015
21:00
Portugal
Pyrofel Pirotecnia
21:30
Australia
Skylighter Fireworks
22:00
France
Sodip Pyrotechnie
Thursday 1st October 2015
21:00
Italy
La Tirrena Sas Di Vittorio
21:30
Spain
Pirotecnia Zaragozana SA
Amongst this year’s competitors are last year’s winners from China, Hunan Jingtai Fireworks Co Ltd and runners-up from Australia, Italy and Spain.
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