Hong Kong will break with longstanding tradition by canceling its iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Victoria Harbor following November’s catastrophic fire that claimed 161 lives. Instead of the customary pyrotechnic spectacle, the city will host a musical performance featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other artists in Central district.
The tourism board’s alternative celebration will transform eight landmark buildings into giant countdown clocks, presenting a three-minute light show at midnight. This marks a significant departure from the territory’s traditional celebrations that typically draw hundreds of thousands of spectators to the harborfront.
Cultural Secretary Rosanna Law acknowledged the economic impact on hotels and restaurants, recognizing how the cancellation affects local businesses. The decision reflects the city’s somber mood after the Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po district, the deadliest fire since 1948.
Authorities identified substandard netting and foam board installations as contributing factors in the fire’s rapid spread through the renovation site. The tragedy has left thousands of residents displaced, many struggling to recover from both personal loss and the destruction of homes they spent years acquiring.
Historical precedents show Hong Kong has canceled fireworks following past tragedies, including the 2012 vessel collision that killed 39 people and the 2018 bus crash that claimed 19 lives. The COVID-19 pandemic and 2019 protests also led to previous cancellations.
The cultural significance of fireworks traces back to second-century China, where bamboo stems created natural explosions when thrown into fire. Chinese monk Li Tian of the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) is credited with developing the first documented firecrackers using gunpowder in enclosed bamboo stems, creating traditions to ward off evil spirits during celebrations.