Here is a list of must-see displays in the Mediterranean in 2014:
Malta International Fireworks Festival, Grand Harbour, Malta 25th - 26th, 30th April
© Roberto Cilenti / Foter / CC BY-ND
Maltese firework artisans began to master their craft during the 19th and 20th centuries to mark events tied to the British calendar. They are very much an intrinsic part of life in the archipelago as they synonymous with the many village festivals taking place throughout the year, especially in summer.
The 13th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will be held over three nights, with the grand finale marking the 10th Anniversary of Malta’s accession to the European Union taking place in the magnificent Grand Harbour on 30th April.
Festival of Pyrotechnic Art, Cannes, France -14th, 21st, 29th July; 7th, 15th, 24th August
© Rob Watling / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Although the Film Festival is the principle event to spring into people’s minds when thinking about
Cannes, the Festival of Pyrotechnic art held in the city’s bay is just as significant to fireworks fans and pyrotechnicians.
The festival dates back to 1967, when the very best teams of pyrotechnicians from around the world began competing for the Vestal, Jury and Public prizes. Eight teams will compete over a series of eight evenings between 14th July and 24th August.
Tarragona International Fireworks Display Competition, Tarragona, Spain 3rd – 6th July
Silvia Sala / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
This spectacular series of displays take place in the glorious Punta del Miracle bay off the Catalan city of Tarragona. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the firework and pyrotechnic world.
Six teams will compete over a series of four days this July for top honours. The winning team goes on to produce a display for the Santa Tecla religious festival, which is one of the most significant events in Spain’s traditional calendar.
Festa del Redentore, Venice, Italy - 19th July
The Festa del Redentore, began to be celebrated to give thanks following the end of a terrible plague in 1576. The fireworks festival takes place on the eve of the religious feast, which is celebrated on a Sunday.
Locals begin decorating their preferred vantage point, be it a rooftop terrace or a boat, on the Saturday morning. St. Mark’s basin fills up in anticipation at sunset, before the fireworks in combination with all those quintessentially Venetian landmarks turn it into one of the most enchanting places imaginable.
Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival, Monaco 19th July, 27th July, 9th August, 16th August
Monte Carlo’s own international fireworks competition, attracting some of the world’s most talented pyrotechnicians, has been part of the calendar since 1966, with displays typically taking place on four consecutive Saturdays between mid-July and mid-August.
The fireworks soar above the Prince’s Palace, reflect off the walls of Saint Nicholas Cathedral and cascade down to the Monte Carlo Casino. This iconic scenery has served as a backdrop for the fireworks for almost 50 years.