The "22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" kicks off today (September 11) as the fireworks teams from the United Kingdom and Chinese Taiwan light up the sky of Macau with splendid fireworks. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U and Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes joined with other guests to officiate the opening ceremony at the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza.
Held on September 11, 18, 22, 25 and October 1 at the sea area across the Macau Tower, 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has attracted ten teams from around the world to vie for the contest.
The contest this year features teams from the United Kingdom, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Portugal, Korea, Japan, France, Italy and China, each will show off their pyrotechnic wizardry to spectators both from Macau and overseas. Pyro 2000 Limited from the United Kingdom lifts the curtain on the fireworks extravaganza. Established in 1996, Pyro 2000 has participated in various fireworks displays and competitions around the world. The team staged a fireworks display for the closing ceremony of World Cup Cricket Final in 2007 and pocketed the second prize of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 10 years ago.
Wan Dar Fireworks Mfg. Co., Ltd. from Chinese Taiwan is a veteran in the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest as well as other international celebrations and competitions. It took part in this contest as early as 1989 and attained the third prize in 2008. Wan Dar is all set for this year’s prize which it missed last year.
This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) jointly launch “SMS Game” to promote citizen participation in the event. During the period of fireworks display contest, CTM will send out short message to their mobile service subscribers to introduce the game, in addition to promotion of the game on the websites of MGTO and CTM. Macau residents can send one text message to CTM through their mobile to vote for their favorite team after each night of display. The citizen who voted for the most popular team on that night is eligible for lucky draw to win two sets of reservoir stand tickets for the 57th Macau Grand Prix (Saturday and Sunday) and souvenir. The 5 teams who get the most SMS votes will be awarded with “The People’s Choice” certificates and souvenirs. However the voting result will not affect the jury’s decision on the fireworks display contest. MGTO will also post web banner on CTM’s website to enhance the promotion effectiveness.
Each participating team is requested again this year to complement their display with music to enthrall the audience with a light and sound spectacular. To enhance the enjoyment, the organizer will install sound systems at the waterfront of the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza, at the Macau Tower Street seaside and at the square in front of Kun Iam Statue on Ave. Dr Sun Yat Sen so that the public can enjoy synchronized music to the spectacular displays. Spectators are able to listen to live music of the fireworks displays through Radio Macau's live broadcast at FM100.7.
MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will again jointly present the Fireworks Carnival to offer an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights on the fireworks display nights. The opening ceremony of the Fireworks Carnival 2010 will be held today (September 11) at 7:30pm. Citizens can enjoy an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights at the carnival between 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. on each of the fireworks display nights. 26 stalls offering snacks and souvenirs will also add sparkle to the party.
This press release is available on MGTO’s website: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/
