Fireworks are synonymous with celebrations, but for some, the spectacle comes with an astronomical price tag.
These five record-breaking displays light up the sky in more ways than one:
1. Dubai’s $6 Million New Year’s Eve (2014)
Dubai set the bar for extravagance with a $6 million fireworks show to ring in 2014. Spanning 94 kilometers of shoreline, the display used 500,000 shells and earned a Guinness World Record. The show was choreographed to perfection, illuminating landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
2. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, New York ($6 Million Annually)
New York City’s annual Independence Day celebration is the most expensive recurring fireworks display in the U.S. With over 65,000 shells launched from barges on the East River, the dazzling show attracts millions of spectators and is meticulously timed to a patriotic soundtrack.
3. Philippines’ “A Symphony of Lights” ($8 Million)
During the 2016 Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, the country showcased a jaw-dropping $8 million fireworks display. Combining pyrotechnics with laser lights and music, it was a sensory feast designed to impress global audiences and competitors.
4. Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony ($7.5 Million)
The 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony was a visual masterpiece, with fireworks estimated to cost $7.5 million. The display included 29,000 shells fired in perfect harmony across the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and surrounding areas, symbolizing unity and grandeur.
5. Kuwait’s 50th Constitution Day ($15 Million)
Kuwait spared no expense in celebrating its Constitution’s 50th anniversary in 2012. The event holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive fireworks display ever, costing a staggering $15 million. Over 77,000 pyrotechnic effects illuminated the sky for an hour, setting a new standard for opulence.
From national pride to global competition, these displays prove that for some, the sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating in style.
