Dusk begins to shroud the Bay of Cannes. The crowd buzzes with excitement. Hundreds of thousands of faces are raised to the sky, waiting impatiently for a show expected to be grandiose. Organized by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, this celebration has been held each summer since 1967, uniting firework displays, light and sound. As starting-time approaches, the atmosphere on the seafront becomes electric. The first strains of music are heard, echoing through the Festival City. Suddenly, a rocket streaks across the sky, sending a shower of dazzling colour over the sea. Then comes celestial choreography in total synergy and harmony, lasting about 30 minutes. In this sparkling obscurity, thundering applause breaks out. Eyes also sparkle, the atmosphere is charged with emotion.

Each performance is a moment of pure magic. This elitist ballet of pyrotechnical effects requires several months of intense preparation by firework experts from all over the world, who deploy all their creativity to stage artfully orchestrated pyromusical shows. From five barges at their disposal, anchored 400 metres from the shore, they master musical compositions and light shows with 100% precision. Rivals in imagination and technicality, they compete under their nations’ flags to win the ‘‘Vestale d’Argent’’ – a prestigious award recognising their excellence and innovation in this ancient art. At the end of the sixth and last evening, this trophy rewards the most popular display among the jury and the public. The winner can then aim for the ‘‘Vestale d’Or’’, a precious prize awarded every four years, to join previous titleholders.

The International Festival of Pyrotechnical Art 2024 will be held on Thursday July 4th, Sunday July 14th, Monday July 22nd, Wednesday August 7th, Thursday August 15th, and Saturday August 24th.