Montreal's International Fireworks Competition starts on June 29

Jun 28 2019, 1:18 am

Get ready for a whole bunch of fireworks this weekend, Montreal.

The world’s largest fireworks festival is on its way back to la belle province as the 35th edition of the International Fireworks Competition, known officially as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, kicks off on Saturday.

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L’International des Feux Loto-Québec is an international fireworks competition in which major companies, representing their respective country, provide the opportunity to see the latest techniques and innovations in the field of pyrotechnics.

Montreal is oozing with great vantage points to check out the display, but perhaps none can best that of La Ronde’s grandstands.

“L’International des Feux Loto-Québec attracts over three million people annually, making it one of Quebec’s most highly attended events,” says La Ronde park president, Janine Durette. “La Ronde is honoured to be the host site for this long-standing tradition beloved by Montrealers and tourists alike.”

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On select Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer, whenever the fireworks are going off, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge will completely close to vehicular and cyclist traffic, giving Montrealers and tourists alike an eye-popping (and sometimes ear-popping) view of the fireworks exploding in air.

Tickets for in-park views of the fireworks festival are on sale through the La Ronde website but Montrealers already know the best places to watch the summertime festival is on the grass or the bridge, for free (don’t tell La Ronde).

Starting on Saturday, the Hands Firework firm will be in charge of opening the summer-long ceremony with their “Throwback 1985” show.

The highly colourful pyrotechnical show will be accompanied by some of the greatest musical hits of the 1980s including David Bowie, Bryan Adams, Eurythmics, Genesis, Madonna, and many others.

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The rest of the summertime fireworks festival line up as follows with full details about each show available on the Parc Jean Drapeau website.

  • Wednesday, July 3: South Korea – “Dreaming in Montreal”
  • Saturday, July 6: Italy – “One Step – Moon Dream”
  • Wednesday, July 10: Portugal – “Stay Tuned”
  • Wednesday, July 17: USA – “Jungle Spirit”
  • Saturday, July 20: Canada – “A First Walk on the Moon”
  • Wednesday, July 24: Australia – “Shapeshifter”
  • Saturday, July 27: Finale

All fireworks shows start at 10 pm and go on rain or shine.

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