MGTO unveils the program of the 30th Contest
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest (“the Contest”) to reach its 30th edition this year, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has invited an unprecedented number of twelve extraordinary world-class pyrotechnic teams to present twelve spectacular fireworks displays themed as “Duo Celebrations for Macao” from early September until the 1st October Golden Week. The organizer of the Contest, MGTO, held a press conference today (15th August) to unveil details about the Contest and a series of pertinent outreach programs.
At the Press Conference, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes expressed that since the inaugural edition in 1989, the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest has gradually developed into one of Macao’s major events and travel highlights today, from having only five teams in the beginning to a lineup of ten teams every year since 1995. Instead of inviting ten teams to perform on five fireworks evenings, the Office has arranged for twelve teams to dazzle on six fireworks nights for the first time, as the Contest arrives at the 30th anniversary this year. The dates of the Contest will cover the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day and extend till the 1st October Golden Week, an array of enchanting sparkles awaiting residents and visitors to enjoy after nightfall. In this year of dual celebrations, MGTO has tailored a range of highlights for the Contest, striving to motivate higher participation among residents and enrich the diversity and charm of the program, in turn advancing the destination's international profile and progress of transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure.
Unprecedentedly twelve fireworks shows in celebration of the 30th edition
The 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will stage twelve fireworks shows on 7th, 13th, 21st, 28th September, 1st and 5th October. In the order of performance, the Contest will pit twelve teams from Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Korea, United Kingdom, Romania, South Africa, Canada, France, China, Japan and Australia against each other. The fireworks companies from Malaysia and Australia will make their debut in Macao, while the other ten teams have joined the Contest in Macao before, with seven of them returning home with titles. All the contestants boast rich experience and extraordinary artistry in creation of fireworks shows. The lineup promises wondrous performances this year.
Fireworks blended with culture and creativity
MGTO launched the Songwriting Contest last year. To celebrate the 30th edition of the Contest, the twelve pyrotechnic teams will choreograph their 18-minute fireworks shows to the top-prize-winning song "Light your fire" as one of their background music scores, while the top entry of the last Trophy Design Contest is chosen as the design of the real trophies awarded to the winners of the 30th fireworks display contest. Through the above, MGTO hopes to foster blending of tourism products with culture and creativity, steering the local cultural and creative industry to move forward.
New fireworks seminar for residents
MGTO will organize a seminar about fireworks at Macao Contemporary Art Centre – Navy Yard No.2. A representative of the pyrotechnic consultancy assigned this year will be invited to talk about the process of fireworks production, on-site installations and safety concerns for the Contest, among other specialty information. Residents can learn more about the actual operation behind the event and gain a deeper understanding of fireworks and the Contest.
Diversity of outreach programs
Besides the conventional Photo Contest and Student Drawing Contest, both popular among residents, two new contests of video production and poster design will be launched this year in tandem with the Fireworks Contest. An online application system will be put into service for convenient submission of entries for various outreach programs from 7th September to 31st October. For details, please visit the website: http://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo.
MGTO supports local community organizations and enterprises to organize community tourism activities that resonate with the Fireworks Contest, to enliven the city with stronger vibes during the event. The activities include a weekend program of DIY workshops for the 30th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, scheduled at Anim'Arte NAM VAN on every fireworks evening from 7th September to 5th October, and the 4th Macau International Lantern Festival, to be held along Anim'Arte NAM VAN and the Waterfront Promenade of One Central Macau and Wynn Macau (Avenida de Sagres) from 7th September to 5th October. The activities will enable visitors and residents to soak in a cultural and artistic ambience in Macao while enjoying the dazzling fireworks.
Live broadcast on air and TV
The fireworks displays will be live broadcast on TDM – HD TV Channel with the synchronized music streaming from TDM - Radio Macao's Chinese Channel (FM100.7) at 9 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. every scheduled evening. Spectators can enjoy the beauty of the fireworks in different ways conveniently.
Vote for your favorite fireworks team online
MGTO and CTM jointly organize an online voting activity to enhance residents' and visitors' interest and participation in the Contest, while gaining wider publicity for the event. After enjoying each of the fireworks evenings, spectators can vote for their favorite fireworks teams online and enter a lucky draw for a chance to win attractive prizes.
Joy doubles up in Fireworks Carnival
The Office and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will co-present the Fireworks Carnival next to the Macau Tower from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the six fireworks evenings. The Carnival will be a confluence of culinary delights, performances, parent-and-kid workshops and games, offering a palette of more fantastic experiences. The top three entries in the Songwriting Contest last year will be presented on stage during the Fireworks Carnival.
Dedicated to presenting mega events and activities vibrant with wonderful and innovative experiences, MGTO has invited outstanding pyrotechnic companies from worldwide to join the event every year. The event carries on with new elements to enhance the level of performance as well as enjoyment and involvement among residents. MGTO will continue to broaden the spectrum of spectacular events and leisure choices in Macao in collaboration with entities from different circles, to breathe a new dynamic into Macao’s tourism industry and the tourism development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
For more information about the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and its outreach programs, please visit: http://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo
