For three decades, the annual "Celebration of Light" fireworks festival has been the jewel in this city's summer crown, drawing millions of spectators to its waterfront and generating substantial revenue for local businesses.
However, organizers announced yesterday the indefinite cancellation of the event, citing escalating operational costs and a critical lack of long-term government and corporate financial backing.
The decision has sent ripples of disappointment through the community, marking the silence of a beloved summer tradition. The festival, which featured world-class pyrotechnic teams competing from barges anchored in the bay, was not just a visual spectacle but a deeply ingrained cultural happening.
"It is heartbreaking to pull the plug on an event that brings so much joy and international attention," stated the festival society's spokesperson.
"The costs associated with maritime safety, securing competition-grade shells, and public infrastructure requirements have simply become unsustainable without robust, multi-year support. This isn't just about a few hours of light; it’s about the soul of our summer economy and shared memory."
Local hoteliers and restaurateurs expressed grave concern over the economic vacuum the cancellation will create.
Efforts are now underway to launch a community-driven initiative, hoping to secure emergency funding that could potentially reignite the skies next year, though the current outlook remains uncertain. The focus now shifts to how the city will fill the cultural void left by its absence.
