1. New Years Eve, Reykjavik, Iceland
Miles away up there in the middle of the Atlantic, New Years Eve sees fireworks so incredible you’d think you could see them from mainland Europe. What is unique about this firework display is that it’s not actually an officially organized event in one place but consists of the residents of the city setting them off independently but at the same time. Because Reykjavik is only fairly small, when midnight comes and the fuses are all lit, the sky totally fills with fireworks and you’d think hundreds of firework displays were all happening at once. Icelander bought over a thousand tons of fireworks in for the big night and, out of all the displays listed above, this one would be the most unique of them all.
2. Japan Day, Dusseldorf, Germany
You might be surprised to hear that Düsseldorf in Germany has a huge Japanese community? But then you probably wouldn’t be surprised after that to hear their like to set off a load of fireworks every year. Come June, there will be ten hours of entertainment to an average of 1 million people, who flock to the city every year for the day. Japanese traditions such as Sumo wrestling, origami displays and music and dance performances are then topped by a spectacular firework display that never seems to end.
4. Bastille Day, Paris, France
France wouldn’t be France without Bastille Day on July 14th. It’s their celebration of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 marking the high point in the French revolution. There are fireworks and celebrations all over France on this day but if you want to be at the very heart of the action, then get yourself to the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris for the biggest crowds and by far the biggest firework displays. When you’ve seen dozens of fireworks flying out of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll know what I mean.
2. Battle, East Sussex, UK.
Remember remember not just the fifth of November but also Battle Bonfire Night in the historic town of Battle on the south coast of England. Already quite famous enough for its Battle of Hastings in 1066, Battle also hosts an annual Bonfire night that goes well beyond the norm. There’s a huge torch-lit fancy-dressed procession that parades through the town and then into the battlefield, where a massive bonfire is lit. The come fireworks like you’ve never seen before and it’s utter amazement in the air for about the next half an hour. The grand finale is the blowing up of a topical model effigy, which this year was Sarah Palin!
5. Edinburgh international Festival, Edinburgh, UK.
This has to win the prize for the Scottish entry into the world of firework displays. The Edinburgh International Festival has been running since 1947 and every year attracts thousands of locals and visitors to the beautiful city to witness a free concert with bagpipes a plenty and then finally a stunning firework display set amidst the beautifully lit Edinburgh Castle. People annually camp out all night in order to get the best views on the following night as they witness 100,000 fireworks lighting up the sky.
Photo of firework explosion in Reykjavik, Iceland, originally posted by Gunnsi
Topic: Top five Monday |
0 Comments
Tags: France, Germany, UK
About the author
Phil is a freelance writer working on various writing and editing projects ranging from feature film scripts to travel writing. He enjoys writing from experience and sharing information on the many places he has visited over the years
Leave a comment