The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said in a statement yesterday that it has “never been a tradition” to include a fireworks show in its New Year’s Eve countdown concerts since Macau’s return to the motherland 25 years ago, and that’s why there wasn’t a firework display at the end of the countdown concert in Sai Van Square at midnight on Wednesday.
The statement was released yesterday after commenters on social media platforms complained that a large number of revellers went to Sai Van Lake Square to wait for the fireworks show, but were left disappointed because there was none.
In 2023, the bureau collaborated with integrated resort (IR) operator SJM Resorts to put on a two-minute firework display aimed at enhancing the atmosphere during the concert. However, the firework display staged in 2023 atop Macau Tower did not meet the expectations, according to the bureau’s feedback at that time, the statement said. Therefore, the bureau decided not to include a firework display this time.
According to the statement, a number of opinions collected by the bureau showed that the 2023 display had failed to match the “grandeur” of a full fireworks show. As a result, the statement said, this time the bureau only focused on musical and dance performances, as well as stage effects to celebrate the evening with residents and visitors alike.
While Sands China arranged a midnight firework display on New Year’s Day in Cotai for spectators to watch the show in the city’s leisure and entertainment area, there was no arrangement for firework displays at the countdown shows in both Sai Van Lake Square and Taipa Houses.
The bureau was committed to listening to public feedback and considering opinions from various sectors to create a vibrant atmosphere for future events, the statement said, adding that its aims to ensure more comprehensive communication regarding upcoming activities, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
