MACAU – A landmark exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Macao’s iconic Iec Long Firecracker Factory has launched at the Sands Gallery in Taipa, offering a profound journey into the city’s industrial heritage. The showcase, which opened on March 18th, 2026, presents an extensive collection of over 400 artifacts that narrate the vibrant history and cultural resonance of an industry that once defined the region.
Visitors are immersed in a century-old narrative through meticulously preserved original manuscripts, specialized manufacturing tools, and a diverse array of vintage packaging labels. This comprehensive display illuminates the technical craftsmanship and artistic design that characterized the firecracker production process, highlighting its significance beyond mere commerce to encompass community identity and tradition.
The exhibition represents a significant collaboration between academic research and cultural preservation. Curator Ung Vai-meng, a distinguished professor at the Macau University of Science and Technology, emphasized the industry’s historical importance: “Firecracker manufacturing stood among Macao’s most vital traditional industries. This exhibition aims to transport audiences across temporal boundaries, allowing them to experience the distinctive echoes of an era that remains fundamentally Macanese.”
Portuguese artist Catarina Cottinelli da Costa, upon viewing the collection, remarked to Xinhua that the curatorial efforts “have revitalized the lives and memories associated with the old Iec Long Firecracker Factory, creating a deeply moving and meaningful connection for visitors to this crucial chapter of Macao’s historical narrative.”
The exhibition will continue through August 31st, 2026, providing an extended opportunity for locals and international visitors to engage with this unique aspect of Macao’s cultural legacy.