The Fireworks Carnival opens
The 28th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest officially kicked off tonight (3 September) with the first round of spectacular fireworks presented by the Thailand and Portuguese teams. Jointly organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau, the Fireworks Carnival 2016 is also held every fireworks evening. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, officiated the opening ceremony of the Carnival this evening. Other officiating guests include MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Assistant of the Department of Social Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Lu Yanhui and President of General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau, Ng Siu Lai, and Vice President of General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau and Director of Event Organizing Committee of the General Union, Lei Cheok Kuan. The 28th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is held above the sea in front of Macau Tower on 3rd, 10th, 15th, 24th September and 1st October. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 15th September, whereas on 1st October, the team from China will culminate the Contest with their fireworks display in celebration of the National Day together with all the residents in town. The Contest has pit a range of globally-acclaimed pyrotechnic companies against each other over the past editions, and without exception, features a strong line-up of competitors this year. A total of ten teams came from different countries as follows (in order of appearance in the Contest): Thailand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Italy, Canada, Romania and China. This is the first time for the Contest to feature a team from Romania, while the Canadian company is also making its debut in Macao. The first fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. each night, followed by the second display at 9:40 p.m. Themed nights of dazzling fireworks For the first time in the Contest, the fireworks displays are designed to bring out a special theme each of the five scheduled evenings. The themes include “Pyro Fantasia”, “Tribute to Bond”, “Mid-Autumn Harmony”, “Stars from afar” and “Celebration in the Sky”. Same as before, every fireworks display is choreographed to both music and laser light projections in the way that not only brings out its theme but also enhances the effect and level of its pyrotechnic extravaganza. Spectators can enjoy the live broadcast of the fireworks displays on TDM – Macao TV Channel with background music streaming from TDM - Radio Macao’s Chinese Channel (FM 100.7) as well each fireworks evening. Colorful side activities at lakeshore MGTO is dedicated to creating a greater synergy and enriching the content of mega events through interdepartmental efforts as well as collaboration with the private sector and local organizations so that more residents and visitors are motivated to take part in the events. The Office has been joining hands with the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau over the years to present the Fireworks Carnival which features both stage performance and signature delicacies next to Macau Tower. In addition, the Office also partners with the local trade this year to roll out the first Macao Lantern Festival which displays over 40 artistic lanterns along the waterfront promenade of One Central Macau concurrently during the Fireworks Display Contest, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 1st October Golden Week. Residents and visitors can ride a Chinese-style boat out on the lake to enjoy both the beautiful fireworks and festive lanterns. They can also choose to watch the fireworks displays at “Anim’Arte Nam Van” as well as the artistic and cultural performances there, relishing a unique ambience and leisure experience.