Hong Kong Marks New Year Without Fireworks Display/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hong Kong entered 2026 without its traditional fireworks, canceling the display after a devastating November fire killed at least 161 people. Authorities replaced the celebration with music performances and light shows. The tragedy marks the city’s deadliest fire in over seven decades.
Hong Kong New Year Without Fireworks Quick Looks
- Hong Kong canceled its iconic fireworks show for 2026 due to a deadly fire in November.
- At least 161 people were killed in the city’s worst fire since 1948.
- Instead of fireworks, the city hosted a concert featuring Air Supply and local performers.
- A light show lit up landmark buildings with a three-minute countdown at midnight.
- The blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex undergoing renovations.
- Unsafe netting and foam materials were cited as factors in the fire’s rapid spread.
- Thousands of residents were displaced and relocated to temporary accommodations.
- Tourists expressed understanding and sympathy despite missing the fireworks display.
- Business sectors such as hotels and restaurants were affected by the cancellation.
- Past tragedies have also led to fireworks cancellations, including in 2013 and 2018.
Hong Kong Marks New Year Without Fireworks Display
Deep Look
Hong Kong, a city known for its dazzling skyline and spectacular fireworks, welcomed 2026 in solemn reflection rather than explosive celebration. For the first time in years, the city canceled its world-renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks show, a decision prompted by the deadliest fire in the region in more than seven decades.
The November fire, which swept through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a suburban district in northern Hong Kong, claimed the lives of at least 161 people. The high death toll and emotional weight of the incident led officials to abandon the usual festive tone of the New Year in favor of a more subdued observance.
In place of fireworks, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organized a concert featuring the soft rock duo Air Supply and other performers. The event was held in Central, a key business and nightlife area. At midnight, eight landmark buildings lit up with synchronized light shows and digital countdowns to mark the start of the new year.
Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, acknowledged that the cancellation would impact local businesses, particularly hotels and restaurants that typically benefit from the influx of tourists during holiday celebrations.
Visitors, however, responded with empathy. Annie Wang, a tourist from Shanghai, said she was saddened by the loss of the fireworks but understood the city’s rationale. “It’s quite regretful. But there’s no way around it after the fire,” she said.
Wang Miao, a teacher from Guangzhou, expressed similar sentiments. Although she had hoped to witness the pyrotechnic spectacle, she said the overall experience of visiting Hong Kong remained positive.
“It doesn’t affect our experience in Hong Kong,” she noted while preparing to enjoy the official countdown events.
By early evening on New Year’s Eve, crowds had already begun to gather near the stage in Central, eager to enjoy the alternative programming.
The November blaze at Wang Fuk Court broke out during an ongoing renovation project. Investigators found that bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting, alongside flammable foam window panels, contributed to the fire’s swift and deadly spread. The destruction forced thousands of residents out of their homes, some of which had taken years to afford. Many were moved to temporary housing, hotels, and youth hostels.
The fire was Hong Kong’s worst since 1948, marking a painful chapter in the city’s modern history. In response, mourning and safety reviews took precedence over celebration.
This is not the first time fireworks have been canceled in Hong Kong following major tragedies. In 2013, the National Day fireworks were called off after a ferry collision killed 39 people. The 2018 Lunar New Year display was also canceled after a bus crash left 19 people dead. Political unrest during the 2019 protests and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted such events in recent years.
The tradition of fireworks in China dates back more than 2,000 years. Bamboo stalks thrown into fire created the earliest versions of “firecrackers,” and later innovations led to gunpowder-based explosives used for celebration and spiritual cleansing. According to Guinness World Records, Li Tian, a monk from the Tang dynasty, was credited with inventing the first documented firecracker during the period between 618 and 907 C.E.
Despite the somber tone this year, the city remains committed to honoring traditions in meaningful ways. The light show and performances served as a respectful nod to the holiday spirit while allowing the city space to grieve and reflect.
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