The "23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" kicks off today (September 10) as the fireworks teams from Canada and Korea light up the sky of Macau with splendid fireworks. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U joined Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes to officiate the opening ceremony at the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza.
Held on September 10, 12, 17, 24 and October 1 at the sea area across the Macau Tower, 23rd 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 Canada, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Portugal, France and China, each will show off their pyrotechnic wizardry to spectators both from Macau and overseas. Sirius Pyrotechnics from Canada makes its debut at the contest tonight. Performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics 2010 in Canada last year, Sirius Pyrotechnics is a famous fireworks company that specializes in large scale pyrotechnic production.
After last year's debut at the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, Woori Fireworks from Korea is back to the city's pyromusical competition. The Korean team is a fireworks producer and performer, with several displays at fireworks events in Asia and around Korea, including participation at the 2002 FIFA Soccer World Cup Korea-Japan.
This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) continue to 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 58th 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 2011 was held today (September 10) 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. 20 stalls offering snacks and souvenirs will also add sparkle to the party.
