Hong Kong may greet the New Year of 2026 without its famous fireworks show on Victoria Harbor. This shift marks progress following a harrowing fire in November that killed at least 161 people. A large tragedy occurred at Wang Fuk Court in the northern district of Tai Po. Now, in the face of this backlash, city officials are having to reconsider their celebrations.
The blaze broke out early on Jan. 8 at a five-alarm fire apartment complex in the midst of massive renovations. Artisans had covered the monuments in scaffolding and green netting. Unfortunately, this devastating fire has seen the bad luck return to mar the city’s New Year festivities. Typically, these celebrations include very colorful and traditional firework shows that draw hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors both.
In lieu of the fireworks, Hong Kong’s tourism board has organized a music show on New Year’s Eve featuring the soft rock duo Air Supply, alongside other performers. This new event, Central’s first-ever Carnival, will bring an entirely new type of celebratory experience to local residents and visitors. Rosanna Law, the territory’s secretary for culture, sports, and tourism, accepted the absence of fireworks would damage the economy, particularly hurting local business owners. After all, tourism hotels and restaurants depend on the increased foot traffic that comes with the festive season.
In the past, Hong Kong has issued similar cancellations in response to tragedies that have preceded them. Fireworks shows were cancelled during the 2019 anti-government protests, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Even against these challenges, the city’s resilient spirit continues to shine through. The fireworks’ cancellation is a fitting metaphor to remember what we had all endured just days before.
As part of the New Year festivities, the facades of eight prominent landmarks will transform into giant countdown clocks, presenting a three-minute light show at midnight. This innovative approach aims to maintain a sense of celebration despite the absence of pyrotechnics against the city’s iconic skyline.
The cultural importance of fireworks in Hong Kong dates back to centuries old traditions. It’s gone up since fireworks were invented in China in the second century B.C. A Chinese monk named Li Tian found that packing gunpowder into bamboo stalks created a violent bang. This practice eventually morphed into the vibrant displays we all love seeing today. This year’s celebrations will undoubtedly take on a more subdued spirit.
