The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) hosted a press conference at Macau Tower yesterday about the upcoming “33rd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest”, announcing that the contest will be held from September 6 to October 6.
The dates of the contest are September 6, 13, 20 and October 1 (National Day) and 6 (Mid-Autumn Festival).
According to an MGTO statement, 10 pyrotechnic companies from different countries will compete in the monthlong event, based on Macau’s strategy of further strengthening if international status as a “City of Events.”
The 10 firework companies, the statement said, represent Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Japan, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said in a speech that all the 10 enterprises have extensive experience in both competitions and performances, having won awards at various international firework contests.
Senna Fernandes, who earlier this week had her position as MGTO director extended until the end of 2027, said she expected the competitors to present “dazzling and high-level displays”.
Senna Fernandes pointed out that the total budget is about 18.06 million patacas, a decrease of about 1.15 percent from last year. She said that Macau’s six integrated resort operators will pay 18 million patacas of the budget, while the government’s expenditure on the event is about 60,000 patacas only.
The statement also said that MGTO and the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (generally known as Kai Fong, its short name in Cantonese) will again hold its popular “Fireworks Carnival” next to the Macau Science Centre waterfront from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on each firework display day. “The carnival will be a fascinating blend of culinary delights, performances and games, adding vibrant vibes to the five firework nights,” the statement promised.
Two companies will compete one at a time on each of the five nights.
In addition to continuing to hold its Photo Contest and Student Drawing Contest this year, MGTO will also host the first AI Generative Art Contest, allowing AI enthusiasts to use AI generation tools to create works depicting the beauty of fireworks, thereby promoting the development of science and technology through the arts in Macau.
For eventgoers who wish to have a good view of the contest, according the statement, MGTO suggested that they gather at Rua da Torre de Macau, Sai Van Lake Square, Rua do Lago Sai Van, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Sai Van, Rua do Dr. Lourenço Pereira Marques, Avenida do Oceano in Taipa and Avenida dos Jardins do Oceano near the Ocean Gardens residential estate in Taipa.
The statement noted that firework fans may browse relevant information on the MGTO website and participate in interactive games to win prizes. https://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo. The number-one prize is a Macau-Chinese mainland air ticket.
Meanwhile, Senna Fernandes told reporters on the sidelines of the press conference that the “ZAPE Taste Jam” market recorded a total of 36,000 visitors in its first four days, with a turnover of around 200,000 patacas. The 10-day market ends on Sunday.
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes speaks to reporters at Macau Tower yesterday morning. – Photo Armindo Neves
