TEXT Jamie Ha
PHOTOS Government Information Bureau

The 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest was a spectacular success this year, beginning with fireworks performances on 1, 15, and 29 September, and ending on the night of 1 October, China’s National Day. Liuyang New Year Fireworks Trading Co Ltd from China stole the show and won the championship. Following their lead, the fireworks teams Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co, Ltd. from Japan and Potsdamer Feuerwerk Vertriebs GmbH from Germany took the first and second runners‐up placements.

Coming together from all around the world on an annual basis, various internationally-acclaimed fireworks companies prepared their best performances to challenge one another. The ten teams proudly represented this year, in order of appearance in the contest, were: the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Belgium, France, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy and China. Macao warmly welcomed the fireworks companies from Korea, Belgium, France and China, who made their debut this year in the city.

Continuing on from its inaugural edition in 1989, the contest has evolved into one of the city’s most prominent and signature events. An immense number of spectators gather throughout Macao specifically to revel in this communal event.

Since this year’s contest coincidentally occurred during China’s Golden Week, there were even more visitors; they hurried to watch the fireworks performances first‐hand. This opened a giant door of opportunity for Macao to provide an unforgettable experience for new, and returning, tourists.

The 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest raised the bar when it comes to competitions and events alike. We can be sure Macao has high ambition for future large‐scale affairs aimed at attracting a broad range of international attention, adding to Macao’s reputation as a top destination for tourism and leisure.