Lunar New Year fireworks set to return to Hong Kong after 4-year hiatus
- Show in Victoria Harbour will last 23 minutes and feature eight distinctive scenes
- Three barges moored in harbour to shoot off 23,888 firework shells ‘to shower all residents with a glittering of blessings’, show sponsor says
Pyrotechnics in the shape of gold ingots, dragon eggs and other festive designs will light up Victoria Harbour next month as Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year fireworks are set to return after a four-year hiatus.
The Hong Kong Celebrations Association, the sponsor of the show, on Friday said three barges moored in Victoria Harbour would shoot off 23,888 firework shells “to shower all citizens with a glittering mass of blessings” on February 11, to mark the Year of the Dragon.
The 23-minute show will stretch 850 metres (2,789 feet) across the harbour and feature eight distinctive scenes in a “showcase of Chinese culture” designed to “enhance the festive vibes”.
The association said the event would also serve as a “prologue” to celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China later this year.
“The fireworks display will once again light up the night sky of Victoria Harbor after four years,” said Tam Kam-kau, the chairman of the association. “In addition to bringing New Year blessings to all Hong Kong residents and tourists, the strong festive atmosphere of liveliness and joy can also attract residents to go out and play.”
Hongkongers were last treated to the fireworks display in 2019 to mark the Year of the Pig. The 2020 edition was called off due to months of social unrest, while subsequent shows were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The return of the Lunar New Year show marks the latest in a series of annual firework displays making their post-pandemic comeback.