Due to its location, for most of our readers there probably isn’t the option of simply jumping on an aeroplane to spend a few days at the Montreal International Fireworks Competition like you could for Ignis Brunensis, Las Fallas, or Tarragona.
Yet, as the world’s biggest and most prestigious fireworks competition, it’d be wrong of us not to feature it here – if only because it gives us a brilliant excuse to find some amazing YouTube videos from previous years.
What is the Montreal International Fireworks Competition?
The Montreal International Fireworks Competition, officially called L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, has been running since 1985. It is held at the La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, with fireworks displays taking place over the Dolphins Lake.
It is estimated that as many as three million spectators watch the event each year, with around 6,000 fireworks set off during each performance. While tickets are available to enter La Ronde and enjoy a breathtaking perspective of the display taking place, many of these spectators are able to watch from nearby locations, with the Old Port of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River both popular vantage points.
Anyone who does buy a ticket to enter the park also gets a full day’s access to all of La Ronde’s attractions, making it a brilliant day out all round for anyone who attends.
When Does it Take Place?
The competition runs on various evenings through the summer, sometimes starting in late June and running through to August, although in 2016 all the displays take place in July. This year’s event starts this Saturday 2nd, with an out of competition display performed by Feux d’artifice Apogeé, running until Saturday 30th July, when the last display will be performed by Melrose Pyrotechnics of the United States. All displays start at 10pm local time.
How it All Works
This year there are seven entries to the competition, and each fireworks display team will produce a 30-minute pyromusical display.
At the end of the competition, gold, silver, and bronze trophies, called Jupiters, are handed out to the display teams adjudged to have performed the top three displays.
Last year’s winners were the brilliant Jubilee Fireworks, who was many of you will already know are based here in the UK. Overall, the United States have dominated the competition, with display teams from the country coming out on top on ten occasions. Performance Pyrotechnic Associates have been the main contributors to this success, winning four times, which is a record in terms of specific display teams.
Watch part of Jubilee Fireworks’ winning display below.
Montreal International Fireworks Competition: 2016’s Full Schedule
The full schedule for the Montreal International Fireworks Competition 2016 is listed below.
Saturday 2nd July: Feux d’artifice Apogeé performing an out of competition display titled “Our Heroes.”
Wednesday 6th July: Priotecnia SPA of Chile performing “A Musical Ride.”
Saturday 9th July: Big Bang Fireworks of Canada performing “The Wild West.”
Saturday 16th July: Sugyp of Switzerland performing “Switzerland e-motions.”
Wednesday 20th July: Western Enterprises of the United States performing “Dance to the Colours of the Light.”
Saturday 23rd July: RICASA of Spain performing “Cinemagia.”
Wednesday 27th July: Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik AB of Sweden performing “The Joy of Life.”
Saturday 30th July: Melrose Pyrotechnics and the La Ronde amusement park display team performing “Tribute to Elton John.”
This year’s Montreal International Fireworks Competition promises to be a hell of a show; we’ll keep an eye out for the very best performances and videos, and bring you news of the winners.
Read more about the Montreal International Fireworks Competition at parcjeandrapeau.com.
Further information is also available at montreal.about.com.