Return to Home
11th International Symposium on Fireworks
by Juan Espinoza |
 One of the greatest dreams of man throughout history has been to fly; and creating stars in the sky could be added to this illusion; that dream can be realized using fireworks. In Puerto Vallarta we are used enjoying the always spectacular fireworks set off from nearby hotels or from vessels moored temporarily along the Malecon or at Marina Vallarta; launching to the winds these colorful lights illuminating the Vallarta sky for brief magical moments. THE EVENT For 5 days this year, from April 20 to 24, Puerto Vallarta will witness an unprecedented world class event. The 11th International Symposium on Fireworks is coming to Puerto Vallarta, bringing with it, experts in safety, science, engineering, art and all aspects of the global regulation of fireworks and other types of pyrotechnics associated with entertainment and representatives of all of these fields will be giving presentations at the Sheraton Hotel Bougainvilleas. Also, the light show and fireworks will be the responsibility of fireworks manufacturers in the states of Mexico, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Zacatecas, Puebla and Jalisco. During this week you will see all the work and preparation time required to build "castillos", and you can appreciate the culture, tradition and customs associated with this form of artistic expression. The International Symposium on Fireworks began first in 1992 in the city of Montreal, Canada, where more than 92 attendees from 20 countries of the world met. This symposium has since traveled to cities like Vancouver, Orlando, Halifax, Naples, Valencia, Shiga and Berlin; now arriving in Puerto Vallarta this year, giving a clear acknowledgment of the relevance and reputation of our city at international level. The Sheraton Hotel will host the presentations, in which experts from several renowned universities and institutes (Institute of Pyrotechnics Mexiquense, Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Tokyo, National Federation of Pyrotechnics in Peru, to name a few) will present various topics on the culture and traditions of fireworks, as well as the social impact, safety, explosiveness, and the inherent risk, among many other interesting topics. On Sunday April 19 the registration of participants will be welcomed from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Lectures will begin daily at 8:30am. and best of all, there will be fireworks displays at various venues every evening, with the sole exception of Wednesday, April 22 when, in addition to the presentations and exhibits, there will be a tour of Las Palmas with dinner included, at a cost of $85 Dollars U.S. On Wednesday evening, April 22 will be the closing gala dinner held at the Westin Resort & Spa and will cost U.S. $60 Dollars U.S. An additional day trip to Las Caletas, a pristine isolated beach along the bay, is scheduled for Saturday April 25, at a cost of $85 dollars U.S.  FIREWORKS DISPLAY Beginning Sunday, April 19 the fireworks displays will get underway. The following is a brief summary of what you can expect from each show. Sunday, April 19 Time: 10:00pm Fireworks display by: Zagal Famosos Type of show: Traditional Castillo A welcome show presented by the traditional family of fireworks in Vallarta. Location: Hotel Sheraton. Monday, April 20 Time: 8:00pm Fireworks display by: Unión de Pirotécnicos de Jalisco, Comisión Representativa de Michoacán, Comisión Representativa de Guanajuato. Type of show: 8 Traditionals "Castillos de Morillo" This is the most antique type of fireworks "castillos" still produced in Mexico and is pure living history and a great tradition in the area. Location: Baseball Sports field. Time: 11:00pm Fireworks display by: Pirotecnia Mexicana Artesanal Type of show: Pyromusical Tower In a 45 minutes show this company will perform a show having as the main attraction 3 towers "castillo" of 25 m in height, plus many portraits symbolizing the tradition of fireworks in Mexico. Location: Malecón Tuesday, April 21 Time: 12:00pm Fireworks display by: Pirotécnicos de Tultepec Type of show: Daylight Castillo Known as the capital of Mexican fireworks, famous for it's large consumer fireworks manufacture, the 40 members of the group "Pirotécnicos de Tultepec" will present two displays. Location: Soccer Sports field. Time: 8:00pm Fireworks display by: Pirotécnicos de Tultepec Type of show: Castillo A large pyromusical evening display including 3 "castillos" of 35 m in height plus a main castillo of 50 m in height. Location: El Pitillal Main Place Time: 11:00pm Fireworks display by: Pirotecnia Espectacular Adán Type of show: Pyromusical Castillo "Mexico To The World" is the title of the show where a long family tradition company will blend 5 traditional castillos into a pyromusical show. All their experience and master will be used to match traditional components of castillos with modern technologies to create an exciting 1 hour show. Location: Malecón Thursday, April 23 Time: 8:00pm Fireworks display by: Ramsa Type of show: Pyromusical Castillo In this spectacle will be fire bombettes, candles, mines and comets in 30 mm and 50 mm Location: Malecón Time: 10:00pm Fireworks display by: Unión de Pirotécnicos de San Mateo Tlalchichilpan Type of show: Traditional Castillo A known town with a long tradition in the manufacture of fireworks. They are also very well known for their experience, creativity and artistry having won respect among all "Maestros Pirotécnicos" in the country. Promises to show some of the most complicated set pieces of the week. Location: Malecón Friday, April 24 Time: 8:00pm Fireworks display by: Unión Estatal Poblana de la Pirotecnia Yotécatl Type of show: Traditional Castillo From the State of Puebla, the Union has decided to convene the new generation to design an outstanding show for the Symposium having as main theme their State "Puebla History and Culture". An interesting mixture of new ideas supported by the experience earned through many years of hard work and tradition. Location: Soccer Sports field Time: 11:00pm Fireworks display by: Pirotécnicos Zumpango Type of show: Pyromusical Castillo This group of manufacturers will show their aerial products in a pyromusical show specially designed using their entire range of aerial shells, candles, and special effects, for the enjoyment of the Symposium attendees from around the world and the people of Puerto Vallarta. Location: Westin Resort & Spa 11th Symposium International on Fireworks Presentations Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias Blvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio 999, Zona Hotelera Norte Registration: 19 April, 1:30pm 20-24 April, 8:30am US$ 700 (322) 226-8080 Fireworks Presentations Multiple sites 19-24 April Free Entrance (322) 226-8080 |
Other spotlights |