The 13th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest was completed successfully, with Hunan Firecracker & Fireworks from China becoming this year’s champion among the ten competing teams.

The prize giving ceremony was held at the local Hotel Ritz. Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, presented the award to the victorious team, consisting of US$6,000 and a certificate. Ms. Maria Helena Senna Fernandes, MGTO’s Deputy Director, and Mr. Bernard Pradeau, the Fireworks' technical consultant, presented the prizes to the first runner-up team from Japan, Takagi Fireworks, and to the second runner-up team from the United Kingdom, Jubilee Fireworks. Both teams received certificates and a cash prize of US$3,200 and US$1,800 respectively.

Director Antunes stated that the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has won a great reputation internationally. Each year, many highly qualified teams were attracted to join the contest. At the same time, a large group of tourists and local residents also enjoy the fireworks display. This big event definitely enhances Macau's international fame.

The countries of origin of the 10 competing fireworks teams included the Philippines, Korea, Australia, Thailand, Portugal, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Japan, China and Switzerland, all of which demonstrated their special characteristics in their fireworks display.

In order to add some festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, the Macau Government Tourist Office arranged a "Macau Fireworks Fiesta" in each night of fireworks display. Apart from singing and dancing performances, MGTO set up chairs and stalls with different cuisines for the spectators to enjoy.

The last two fireworks displays were held on October 1st. To celebrate China’s National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which fell on the same weekend, MGTO invited Hunan Firecracker & Fireworks from China to first present their fireworks. Because of the two big festivals, a huge crowd of people took part in the "Macau Fireworks Fiesta".