The 25th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest adjourned splendidly. SAS BREZAC Artifices from France won the championship, followed by the fireworks teams from China and Switzerland in the second and third rank. The prize-giving ceremony was held at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre and was attended by Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes as well as Deputy Directors Manuel Pires and Cecilia Tse, etc. During her closing speech, Senna Fernandes remarked that starting from a small-scale production, Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has developed into a mega event which enjoys not only wide recognition among the press across the region and overseas but also huge popularity among visitors and citizens today. As the organizer, MGTO has given great efforts and passion to present a spectacular contest over the past 25 years. Innovations were also introduced this year to improve the contest such that it made not only a grand tourism and entertainment event but also a festive season for local citizens to celebrate in Macau. The prize for the champion team is 8,000 US dollars whereas the second and third prize winners were awarded 4,000 and 2,500 US dollars respectively in the contest. The ten teams came from five continents namely Asia, Europe, America, Oceania and Africa to join the event this year, including fireworks companies from Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Korea, Portugal, Australia, Italy, Canada, France and Mainland China. Four of the teams won the championship in the past Macau contests. The three fireworks shows on the last night of the contest were presented by the teams from France, Italy and Mainland China; to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of the National Day, the fireworks company from Mainland China was arranged to present the finale spectacle again this year, filling the evening with warm ambience. Citizens flocked into streets to see the fireworks shows during the National Day's holiday while different areas were bustled with visitors around Macau Peninsula and Taipa. A festive atmosphere pervaded the city. This year's contest introduced five innovations including "Pyrotechnics Industry Forum", contestant teams from five continents, an African fireworks company's debut, laser light effects and a promotional micro movie. There were also live broadcasts of the fireworks shows on television as well as the mobile message game to raise citizens' involvement. In addition, MGTO worked together with the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau again to present the Fireworks Carnival, which added fun and color to the splendid fireworks evenings through a variety of entertainment shows and delicacies offered. MGTO launched the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest since 1989. The contest has developed into an annual highlight event in Macau which attracts many visitors and enjoys international recognition today. Citizens equally look forward to the delightful moments of the fireworks displays. Filling the holidays and festive season with joyous atmosphere, the fireworks contest has become Macau's brand and signature event.