The 34th edition of the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is set to return this September, with the night sky above the city lighting up from 12 September to 4 October. This year’s event will feature teams from ten countries, including Brazil, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, Portugal, Korea, Thailand, China, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
The contest will take place over five evenings, with two 18-minute displays each night, beginning at 9:00 pm and 9:40 pm. The event will introduce large-scale drone shows for the first time, with over 3,400 drones involved in displays marking the opening and closing nights.
Debuts and Returning Favourites
The first night, on 12 September, will see Brazil and Switzerland take centre stage, with both teams making their Macao debuts. The opening evening will also provide the first glimpse of the contest’s new drone component.
The competition will continue on 19 September with Italy and Canada, before Portugal and Korea take over the skies on 25 September, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Thailand and China will perform on National Day, 1 October, while the Philippines and the United Kingdom will bring the contest to a close on 4 October.
Viewing Locations and Interactive Activities
Six viewing locations are recommended, including the waterfront stretching from the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre to the Kun Iam Statue Waterfront Recreation Area. Sound systems will broadcast the music synchronised with each performance, and the soundtrack will also be available through TDM – Radio Macao’s Chinese Channel (FM100.7).
The Fireworks Carnival will return on every competition night, running from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, with food, live performances, and games accompanying the displays. An online interactive game will also be available, allowing players to complete challenges or predict which team may take the top prize.
Aerial Performances and Photography Competitions
The contest’s programme is conceived in three chapters, “Encounter with History”, “Encounter with Civilization”, and “Encounter with the Future”, combining pyrotechnics, music, and aerial formations. Photography, drawing, and AI-generated art competitions will also be held, inspired by the event and its colourful displays.
Since its launch in 1989, the annual competition has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated events, drawing pyrotechnic teams from around the world to compete at the sea area in front of the Macau Tower.
