Fireworks + Music Festivals

Friday, September 02, 2005 The 17th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest kicks off tomorrow with a twist: This year, competing teams can pump up their pyrotechnic shows with musical accompaniment. The 17th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest kicks off tomorrow with a twist: This year, competing teams can pump up their pyrotechnic shows with musical accompaniment. The Macau Government Tourist Office, the organizer, will set up speakers to broadcast the booming melodies at three popular viewing points near the Macau Tower and the Kwun Yam statute. The 10 teams will take turns over the next five weekends setting the skies alight, with two facing off each time. Japan will defend the championship it won last year on September 10. Spain will make its debut contest appearance on September 18. Each team will get 18 minutes to impress the judges. Fireworks aren't just for tourists, said tourist office spokeswoman Liz Lam, noting that firecracker production used to be a leading industry in Macau. She put this year's contest budget at 5.4 million patacas (HK$5.2 million). Each team receives US$17,500 (HK$136,000) as a subsidy and the winner gets an additional US$6,000.