Fireworks

Monday, 24 September 2012

On Saturday night I watched the International Firework competition. This competition is on every Saturday night until October 1. Every Saturday 2 countries compete against each other. As stated on the Tourism Macau website: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/events/majoreventsdetail.php?rid=63

“ The annual "Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" not only lights up the nights of Macau, but also the hearts of spectators. Local residents long for the marvellous fireworks displays that add a joyous atmosphere to holidays and festivals. The Contest has also become an annual characteristic of Macau. Many visitors specially choose this time of the year to come to Macau to enjoy an exotic and romantic holiday.”

I like the line about the “joyous atmosphere”, I am not sure how lining up along the water front with thousands of other spectators creates a joyous feeling. Although I guess when you hear a few thousand people say “ohhhhh” or “ahhhh” at the same time as the fireworks explore in front of your face that it might be a joyous time. Where I watch the fireworks in Taipa there are less spectators than on the Macau side. The crowd was really mellow and well behaved. Comparing to the large crowds that watch the fireworks in Vancouver for the Celebration of Lights.

I snapped this photo which has the Sai Van Bridge and the Macau tower in the background. I was sitting on the banks of Taipa along with about a thousand other spectators. It was a beautiful night with clear skies. I don’t know which countries were competing however, this show was better than the one I watched 2 weeks ago. It was more dramatic with larger fireworks and more colours. I am looking forward to the grand finale next weekend.