Editing Fireworks (section)

==Fireworks celebrations throughout the world==
===Australia===
In [[Australia]], fireworks displays are frequently used in the celebration of public holidays, particularly [[New Year's Eve]] and [[Australia Day]]. The most famous is the [[Sydney New Year's Eve]] ''Midnight Fireworks''. In the [[Northern Territory]], "Cracker Night" is celebrated every 1 July on [[Territory Day]], where residents are allowed to buy and use fireworks without a permit.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Perera |first=Alicia |date=30 June 2022 |title='Final frontier': The last place in Australia you can buy and blow up explosives, for one day |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-01/why-the-nt-allows-public-fireworks-use-on-territory-day-july-1/101174064 |access-date=1 July 2022}}</ref>

===Catalonia===
Fireworks are an essential element of popular festival in [[Catalonia]], especially the patron saint day for each Catalan town or city, usually called <em>Festa Major</em>. <em>Coet</em> (rocket) is the generic term for all kinds of pyrotechnic devices. Professional aerial displays are less common than the use of ground based fireworks by members of ritual crews.<ref>Erickson, B. (2011). Utopian virtues: Muslim neighbors, ritual sociality, and the politics of convivència. American Ethnologist, 38(1), 114–131. 10.1111/j.1548-1425.2010.01296.x</ref>
[[File:Ball de diables de Vilanova i la Geltrú, francesos mounted on maces and Llucifer's ceptrot at center.png|thumb|Ball de diables de Vilanova i la Geltrú, francesos mounted on maces and Llucifer's ceptrot at center]]
The <em>Correfoc</em> (firerun) is an element of many festivals, in which crews of <em>diables</em> (devils) dance through the streets to beating drums, holding maces above their heads upon which are mounted <em>carretilles</em> which spin, producing a shower of sparks culminating in an explosive pop. There are three types, <em>les normals</em>, <em>les xiuladores</em>, which emit a whistling sound, and <em>les Arboç</em>, which produce a large umbrella of sparks. Those that emit sparks but do not spin are called <em>francesos</em> and a larger, more potent version are called <em>portuguessos</em>. Those that emit only light are <em>simulators</em> and those that serve to ignite all types of coets are called <em>botafoc</em>, only used by the <em>cap de la colla</em>, or crew chief, who decides when ignition occurs. In many cases, the devils light their carretilles simultaneously by holding all of their maces together and once ignited, begin dancing to the beat of pounding drums. The character of Llucifer carries a larger and more elaborate mace called a <em>ceptrot</em> which is said to "dominate over all," pictured at right. 
[[File:Sostre de foc (ceiling of fire), Vilanova i la Geltrú, Festa Major 2012.png|thumb|Sostre de foc (ceiling of fire), Vilanova i la Geltrú, Festa Major 2012.Spark producing francesos mounted on wire above Plaça de la Vila]]
Pyrotechnics feature in several other Catalan <em>festes</em>:

<em>Nit de San Joan</em> (St. John’s Night, June 14) townsfolk set off rockets from all over town and light bonfires. 

<em>Parliament de Diables</em> (the infernal parliament) is a ritual performance by crews of devils in which characters such as Lucifer, the Diablessa (portrayed by a man in women’s clothes), and other members of the crew declaim satiric verses commenting on current events, punctuated by pyrotechnic dances.<ref>Erickson, B. (2020). Grotesque logic: Catalan carnival utopias and the politics of laughter. Visual Studies, 36(4–5), 507–523. 10.1080/1472586X.2020.1798810</ref> 

[[La Patum]] is celebrated in Berga on [[Feast of Corpus Christi|Corpus Christi]], which has featured a ball de diables called <em>Els Plens</em> since 1628. In 2005, [[UNESCO]] declared La Patum one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.<ref>Noyes, D. (2003). Fire in the Placa: Catalan Festival Politics After Franco. University of Pennsylvania Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt3fj339</ref>

The correfoc of the festa major of Vilanova i la Geltrú culminates in a <em>sostre de foc</em> (ceiling of fire) during which a mass of coets attached to wires are strung above the central plaza enabling the assembled multitude to be showered with sparks and explosions from the sky.<ref>Abdelmalek, S, El Correfoc de Vilanova i la Geltrú, en lluita per preservar “l'essència d'una tradició de més de 30 anys”. Eix Diari, 25-07-2023</ref> 
===France===

[[File:A firework display - Ebenezer Landells - possibly 1855.jpg|thumb|''A firework display'' by the British illustrator [[Ebenezer Landells]], possibly the display given by [[Napoleon III]] on [[Queen Victoria]]'s 1855 visit to Paris]]

In [[France]], fireworks are traditionally displayed on the eve of Bastille day (14 July) to commemorate the French revolution and the [[storming of the Bastille]] on that same day in 1789. Every city in France lights up the sky for the occasion with a special mention to Paris that offers a spectacle around the [[Eiffel Tower]].

===Hungary===
[[File:Fireworks at the Danube.ogg|thumb|Fireworks at the Danube]]
In Hungary fireworks are used on 20 August, which is a national celebration day <ref>20. August-St. Stephen’s Day  https://www.budapestbylocals.com/event/august-20th/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213064943/https://www.budapestbylocals.com/event/august-20th/ |date=13 December 2017 }}  20170823</ref>

===India===
{{see also|Chocolate bomb}}
Indians throughout the world celebrate with fireworks as part of their popular "festival of lights" ([[Diwali]]) in Oct-Nov every year.

===Japan===
During the summer in Japan, {{Nihongo|fireworks festivals|花火大会|hanabi taikai}} are held nearly every day someplace in the country, numbering more than 200 during August alone. The festivals consist of large fireworks shows, the largest of which use between 100,000 and 120,000 rounds ([[Tondabayashi, Osaka]]), and can attract more than 800,000 spectators. Street vendors set up stalls to sell various drinks and staple Japanese food (such as [[yakisoba]], [[okonomiyaki]], [[takoyaki]], [[kakigōri]] (shaved ice), and traditionally held festival games, such as ''kingyo-sukui'', or [[goldfish scooping]].

Even today, men and women attend these events wearing the traditional [[yukata]], summer [[kimono]], or [[jinbei]], and gather in large social circles of family or friends to sit picnic-like, eating and drinking, while watching the show.

The first fireworks festival in Japan was held in 1733 when [[Tokugawa Yoshimune]], the eight shogun of the [[Edo period|Edo Period]], decreed a festival be held on the Sumida River on July 9th every year to mourn those who died in famine and other disasters. This event is recognized as the start of the [[Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival]], and is one of the most recognizable fireworks festivals in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seasons and Customs: Fireworks Festivals / The Government of Japan - JapanGov - |url=https://www.japan.go.jp/tomodachi/2014/womenomics_edition_2014/seasons_and_customs.html |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=The Government of Japan - JapanGov - |language=en}}</ref>

===Malta===
[[File:Malta - St. Paul's Bay - Malta International Fireworks Festival 09 ies.jpg|thumb|Fireworks at a Maltese festival in 2014]]

Fireworks have been used in Malta for hundreds of years. When the islands were [[Hospitaller Malta|ruled by the Order of St John]], fireworks were used on special occasions such as the election of a new [[List of Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller|Grand Master]], the appointment of a new [[Pope]] or the birth of a prince.<ref>{{cite web|title=The History of Fireworks in Malta|url=http://www.uniqueholidaymalta.com/about-us/news/detail/the-history-of-fireworks-in-malta|website=uniqueholidaymalta.com|access-date=8 February 2015|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208183456/http://www.uniqueholidaymalta.com/about-us/news/detail/the-history-of-fireworks-in-malta|archive-date=8 February 2015}}</ref>

Nowadays, fireworks are used in village feasts throughout the summer. The Malta International Fireworks Festival is also held annually.<ref>{{cite web|title=Festas in Malta & Gozo|url=http://www.malta.com/en/events/festa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214043733/http://www.malta.com/en/events/festa|archive-date=14 February 2015|access-date=8 February 2015|website=malta.com}}</ref>

===Monte-Carlo International Fireworks Festival===
Pyrotechnics experts from around the world have competed in [[Monte Carlo]], Monaco, since 1966. The festival runs from July to August every year, and the winner returns in 18 November for the fireworks display on the night before the [[National Day of Monaco]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Monaco – July/August: Monte-Carlo International Fireworks Festival|url=http://www.visitmonaco.com/us/Plan-your-stay/Annual-Events/July-August-Monte-Carlo-International-Fireworks-Festival|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715020005/http://www.visitmonaco.com/us/Plan-your-stay/Annual-Events/July-August-Monte-Carlo-International-Fireworks-Festival|archive-date=15 July 2011|access-date=9 November 2015|website=www.visitmonaco.com}}</ref> The event is held in [[Port Hercules|Port Hercule]], beginning at around 9:30pm every night, depending on the sunset.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Monaco's International Fireworks Festival is back this July and August| newspaper=Italyrivieralps |date = 16 July 2015|url = http://www.italyrivieralps.com/2015/07/16/read-more/argomenti/events/articolo/monacos-international-fireworks-festival-is-back-this-july-and-august.html|access-date = 9 November 2015}}</ref>

===Singapore===
{{Main|Singapore Fireworks Celebrations}}

[[File:Team Singapore fireworks display from Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006.jpg|thumb|right|Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006, 8 August 2006]]

The Singapore Fireworks Celebrations (previously the Singapore Fireworks Festival) is an annual event held in [[Singapore]] as part of its [[National Day]] celebrations. The festival features local and foreign teams which launch displays on different nights. While currently non-competitive in nature, the organizer has plans to introduce a competitive element in the future.

The annual festival has grown in magnitude, from 4,000 rounds used in 2004, to 6,000 in 2005, to more than 9,100 in 2006.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}

===South Korea===
{{see also|Busan International Fireworks Festival|Seoul International Fireworks Festival}}
Busan International Fireworks Festival is one of the most significant fireworks festivals in Asia.

===Switzerland===
In [[Switzerland]] fireworks are often used on 1 August, which is a national celebration day.<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 July 2016|title=Take care around fireworks, Swiss told|language=en|work=The Local.ch|url=https://www.thelocal.ch/20160726/swiss-alerted-to-august-1st-firework-risk|access-date=5 July 2017}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
One of the biggest occasions for fireworks in the UK is [[Guy Fawkes Night]] held each year on 5 November, to celebrate the foiling of the Catholic [[Gunpowder Plot]] on 5 November 1605, an attempt to kill [[James I of England|King James I]]. ''The Guardian'' newspaper said in 2008 that Britain's biggest Guy Fawkes night events were:<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/30/uk-bonfire-night-firework-displays|title=10 best bonfire night celebrations in the UK|author=Wills, Dixe|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 May 2016|date=30 October 2008}}</ref>
* After Dark fireworks, Sheffield
* [[Holyhead|Bangers on the Beach]] (Holyhead Round Table charity fireworks), Holyhead
* {{Sic|Bat|tel|hide=y}} Bonfire in [[Battle, East Sussex]]
* [[Blackheath, London|Blackheath Fireworks]], London
* [[Bught Park]] fireworks, Inverness
* [[Tutbury Castle|Fireworks with Vikings]], Tutbury, Staffordshire
* [[Ottery St Mary|Flaming Tar Barrels]], Ottery St Mary
* [[Glasgow Green]] fireworks
* [[Derry|Halloween Happening fireworks]], Derry
* [[Midsummer Common]], Cambridge
* [[Sparks in the Park]] (Cardiff Round Table charity fireworks), Cardiff

The main firework celebrations in the UK are by the public who buy from many suppliers.

===United States===
[[File:1 epcot illuminations 2010.jpg|thumb|A long-exposure shot of the finale of the second act of [[IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth]], the former nightly fireworks show at [[Epcot]] in [[Walt Disney World]]]]
America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the [[United States]]. Fireworks and black ash were used to celebrate important events long before the [[American Revolutionary War]].{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} The first celebration of [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] was in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether or not the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of all festivities.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} In 1789, [[George Washington]]'s inauguration was accompanied by a fireworks display.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}. George Marshall was an American naval hero during the War of 1812 and other campaigns. He was a Master Gunner and pyrotechnics specialist who wrote ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=lHcNBLcgVSQC&q=Marshall%27s+Practical+Marine+Gunnery <!-- pg=1 quote=Marshall's Practical Marine Gunnery. --> Marshall's Practical Marine Gunnery]''  in 1822.  The book outlines chemical formulas for the composition of fireworks.<ref>{{cite book |last= Marshall |first= George |author-link= |date= 1822 |title= Marshall's Practical Marine Gunnery |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=lHcNBLcgVSQC&q=Marshall%27s+Practical+Marine+Gunnery |location= Norfolk VA |publisher= C. Hall |page= 110 |isbn= }}</ref>  This early fascination with fireworks' noise and color continues today with fireworks displays commonly included in Independence Day celebrations.

In 2004, [[Disneyland Park (Anaheim)|Disneyland]], in [[Anaheim, California]], pioneered the commercial use of aerial fireworks launched with [[compressed air]] rather than [[gunpowder]]. The display shell explodes in the air using an electronic timer. The advantages of compressed air launch are a reduction in fumes, and much greater accuracy in height and timing.<ref>{{cite news|author=Walt Disney Company|date=28 June 2004|title=Disney debuts new safer, quieter and more environmentally-friendly fireworks technology|work=Press Release|url=http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/press_releases/2004/2004_0628.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041126165859/http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/press_releases/2004/2004_0628.html|archive-date=26 November 2004}}</ref> The [[Walt Disney Company]] is now the largest consumer of fireworks in the world.<ref name="Modern Marvels">{{cite AV media|title=Modern Marvels - Walt Disney World (History Channel)|people=Cindy Robinson; Jon Jefferson; Les Wooten|publisher=A&E Television Networks|year=2006|location=New York|time=44 minutes|asin=B000CS461O|isbn=9780767087896|oclc=64282449|medium=DVD}}<!--| access-date = April 11, 2016--></ref>

=== Halloween ===
;Canada
Fireworks are a popular tradition during Halloween in [[Vancouver]].

;Ireland
In the [[Republic of Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland]] there are many fireworks displays, during [[Halloween]]. The sale of fireworks is strongly restricted in the Republic of Ireland, although many illegal fireworks are sold throughout October or smuggled from Northern Ireland. The maximum punishment for possessing fireworks without a licence, or lighting fireworks in a public place, is a €10,000 fine  and a five-year prison sentence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barry |first=Aoife |date=27 October 2013 |title=Warning over fireworks danger – and €10,000 fine for using them illegally |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/fireworks-illegal-danger-penalties-ireland-1148113-Oct2013/ |access-date=8 February 2018 |work=The Journal}}</ref>

;United States
Two firework displays on All Hallows' Eve in the United States are the "[[HalloWishes|Happy Hallowishes]]" show at [[Walt Disney World]]'s [[Magic Kingdom]] "[[Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party]]" event, which began in 2005, and the "[[Halloween Screams]]" at [[Disneyland|Disneyland Park]], which began in 2009.