The winter months bring colder weather, thicker clothes and dark nights. What’s more, they bring impressive fireworks displays that light up the sky with a cornucopia of colours. Here, we take a look at some of the best fireworks displays around the world:
Sydney, Australia
On Friday 26th January 2018, Australians will gather in cities and towns across the country to celebrate Australia Day. The occasion is to celebrate the diversity and achievements of the nation, with countless festivities going on. Sydney’s harbour comes alive with people being treated to concerts, races and markets before coming together for an extravagant fireworks display. With the backdrop of one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and the waters reflecting the colours, there are few more spectacular locations for a fireworks display.
Montreal, Canada
Head to Montreal for the biggest pyrotechnics competition anywhere in the world, as the Canadian city hosts the Montreal International Fireworks Competition. Going since 1985, it is a major attraction for the area with thousands visiting for the month-long event. Buy a ticket to be right up close to the show, where the displays will be complemented with music. Alternatively, you can find a number of beautiful spots to enjoy the fireworks from a distance. The 2017 celebrations were some of the biggest in its history, as they celebrated Montreal’s 375th anniversary.
Elsewhere, you can check out the Christmas fireworks displays which run from 9th December until 6th January. The Old Port is the venue for this pyro-musical, where each show is perfectly choreographed with music.
Paris, France
France’s most significant national holiday Bastille Day is celebrated with lavish parties across the country but few are as special as the ones in Paris. The French have been holding events on 14th July since 1880, with the build-up to the day beginning as soon as the previous year’s merriments have finished. Festivities kick off at 10 am when a traditional military parade begins along the Champs Elysees before an aerobatic display. Across the city, you can find numerous events, and musical and art performances to commemorate the start of the French Revolution. As the evening draws in, the Eiffel Tower’s lights turn on before the skies above Paris illuminate with a dramatic fireworks display. All of these colours exploding in the background of one of the world’s most famous landmarks makes for a truly spectacular experience.
Valencia, Spain
While fireworks might be confined to one night a year in other countries, Valencia lets them off throughout the year. Locals are obsessed with the colours, the sound, the art and the detail of them. But one event does stand out above most. Las Fallas, or Fallas Fiestas, is an explosive cocktail of fireworks, music, costumes, laughter and bright colours. Between 15th and 19th March, this festival draws in visitors from across the globe with activities and shows going on throughout the week. Though the final evening is the real highlight.
London, United Kingdom
Across the United Kingdom, we mark the infamous moment when Guy Fawkes failed to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I on the 5th of November 1605 in the Gunpowder plot. Today, it is commonly known as Bonfire Night and throughout London, you can find a great selection of firework displays to enjoy.
Thousands descend upon the banks of the River Thames on the 4th of November to witness the Battersea Park fireworks. Warm yourself up with some hot food and drink from the numerous stalls while you admire one of the biggest displays in the capital. Or head to a display the whole family can enjoy at Lambeth Fireworks at Brockwell Park. Each year, the display has a different theme. This year, dress up or simply admire the ‘night at the movies’ theme, where a 20-minute display is coupled with famous soundtracks and iconic quotes from some of the best-loved blockbuster movies.
New York, United States of America
Fireworks are synonymous with the 4th of July in America. The federal holiday in the USA remembers Independence Day and one of the best places to be is New York. Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks have been wowing crowds since 1976 when it was originally established to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. In 2017, 300 firework shells went off every second, making 2,400 bursts and effects a minute in a brilliant synchronised display. But this is an event that runs throughout the day. Acts like Jennifer Lopez, Charlie Puth and Sheryl Crow entertained the crowds this year, as well as much more going on throughout the area.
