These are 12 of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays
Fireworks have illuminated celebrations for centuries. Here are some sparkling shows from New York to Paris to Sydney.
Independence Day in the United States is fast approaching, and while celebrations may not be back to their pre-pandemic normal, like every Fourth of July since 1777, this year’s celebrations will undoubtedly involve fireworks.
Why? “A year after the U.S. declared independence on July 4, 1776, accounts from both John Adams and the Virginia Gazette say the former colonists launched fireworks to celebrate,” writes Claire Wolters in a Nat Geo explainer on how fireworks came to America. But these quintessential emblems of nationalism have a history that dates back millennia and circles the world.
The story of fireworks begins in about 200 B.C., when people in Liyuan, China, created firecrackers by tossing bamboo stalks into pits of fire. With the advent of gunpowder, pyrotechnics really took off. They lit up Europe in the Middle Ages and, of course, remain an integral part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Polychromatic displays became a global phenomenon soon after Italian pyrotechnicians, in the 1830s, leveraged metallic powders to create specific colors.
(Here’s why you can’t write messages with fireworks—yet.)
From fizzling handheld sparklers to elaborately orchestrated displays, fireworks have been a part of celebrations for centuries. But be careful. Cities across the U.S West have banned Fourth of July fireworks amid wildfire concerns.
Here are 12 places to see the best pyrotechnic shows around the world. These photographs capture sparkling scenes over Japan’s Lake Biwa, Australia’s Sydney Harbor, and Washington D.C.’s National Mall, among other destinations.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Why are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagersWhy are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagers
- These pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eatThese pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eat
- The world's largest fish are vanishing without a traceThe world's largest fish are vanishing without a trace
- We finally know how cockroaches conquered the worldWe finally know how cockroaches conquered the world
- Why America's 4,000 native bees need their day in the sunWhy America's 4,000 native bees need their day in the sun
Environment
- 2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year
- Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species
- Paid Content
Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species - These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new wayThese images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way
- What rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
History & Culture
- The tragic backstory of one of the most haunted roads in AmericaThe tragic backstory of one of the most haunted roads in America
- The missing heiress at the center of New York’s oldest cold caseThe missing heiress at the center of New York’s oldest cold case
- When a people's stories are at risk, who steps in to save them?When a people's stories are at risk, who steps in to save them?
- I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.
- Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’
- These modern soldiers put Bronze Age armor to the testThese modern soldiers put Bronze Age armor to the test
Science
- How being the oldest or youngest sibling shapes your personalityHow being the oldest or youngest sibling shapes your personality
- Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?
- Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?
- Epidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save livesEpidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save lives
- Why the world's oldest sport is still one of the best exercisesWhy the world's oldest sport is still one of the best exercises
Travel
- The best way to experience Slovenian cuisine? On two wheelsThe best way to experience Slovenian cuisine? On two wheels
- Flying taxis may be landing soon. Here's what to knowFlying taxis may be landing soon. Here's what to know
- A gastronomic guide to Georgia's best wineries and restaurants
- Paid Content
A gastronomic guide to Georgia's best wineries and restaurants - How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in ScotlandHow to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Scotland