Size doesn’t always guarantee quality, even when it comes to fireworks. Still, the bigger the display, the more likely it is to be awesome in one way or another. Fireworks sell tickets and demonstrate civic pride, and both municipalities and commercial venues regularly compete to host the biggest, most elaborate fireworks displays of all. Here are a few of the biggest displays of all time.
Guinness World Record Holders
These three fireworks displays proved their worth as Guinness World Record holders in the category of Largest Firework Display. It doesn’t get any more clear cut than that.
1. 2014 Town Christmas Display in Sogne, Norway
In November 2014, two local businesses in Sogne, Norway, decided to kick off their town’s annual Christmas celebration with a real bang. With imported fireworks from Finland and Sweden, as well as from across Norway, the town of just 10,000 inhabitants smashed the previous record by lighting off 540,382 fireworks during an incredible 90 minute show. Another 15,272 fireworks were included in the record breaking attempt, but were disqualified by Guinness as they failed to properly ignite. Still, by all accounts, it was a tremendously impressive display.
2. New Year’s Eve 2014, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, a city known for its love of excess, held the Guinness World Record from New Year’s Eve 2014 until the Norway display in November of that year. For its record breaking show, Dubai may have also set a speed record, discharging an eye-popping 479,651 fireworks in just six minutes. That works out to nearly 80,000 fireworks per minute, or well over 1,000 per second. Can you imagine the sheer force of the sound waves?
3. 2012 Golden Jubilee, Kuwait City
Kuwait City held the Guinness World Record from November 2012 until Dubai’s performance on New Year’s Eve 2014. When compared to Dubai’s show, Kuwait’s seems positively paltry, launching just 77,282 fireworks to celebrate the country’s golden jubilee. Still, the show lasted a full hour and included some impressive staging rather than focusing solely on the number of booms.
Other Impressive Shows
While the fireworks displays listed below may not be Guinness World Record holders, they nonetheless rank among the best of the best. These are annual events that bring something new each year, and are always guaranteed to pack a punch.
4. Montreal International Fireworks Competition
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Montreal International Fireworks Competition is that it lasts for a full month! In the largest pyrotechnics competition in the world, designers display their best 30 minute shows as they compete to win the coveted Jupiter award for best in show. You can watch for free from strategic points all around the city, or pay for a ticket that includes all-day admission to the Six Flags La Ronde amusement park.
5. Sydney, Australia, New Year’s Eve
As one of the first major cities to welcome the New Year, Sydney is hyper aware that the eyes of the world are on it each year. Since 1999, the city has hosted two globally televised New Year’s Eve displays, the family-friendly 9 p.m. show and the extended midnight display. A huge budget, cutting edge technology, and a plethora of special effects make this show a must-see.
6. London, England, New Year’s Eve
London’s New Year’s Eve display has long been a spectacle, with Big Ben and the London Eye creating a festive backdrop. In recent years, however, London has taken its display to a whole new level. For New Year’s Eve 2014, the city introduced the world’s first multi-sensory fireworks show, complete with smell clouds and flavored confetti.
7. Katakai Fireworks Festival, Japan
The Katakai Fireworks Festival lasts for only a single day, but it packs quite a punch. The highlight is the stunning 3 hour evening show, where all sorts of new and unusual effects are debuted. A major feature is the launch of two Yonshakudamas, the largest fireworks in the world at 992 pounds. They soar more than a kilometer into the sky before exploding in a display of 800 meters across.
At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!