Mqabba’s 'Tower of Light' aims to hit record 62 metres for Santa Marija feast
Steel structure with over 10,000 fireworks to light up the feast eve in a year-long planned pyromusical show
Mqabba’s St Mary Fireworks Factory is aiming for new heights this year, with its 'Tower of Light' expected to reach 62 metres, the tallest structure ever built for the village’s annual pyromusical display.
The night skies over Mqabba will turn into a kaleidoscope of colours during the Pyromusical Fireworks Spectacle on Thursday, the eve of the feast.
The centrepiece, the Tower of Light, will feature more than 10,000 shots (murtali) choreographed to music ranging from classical music to film soundtracks and rock.
Last year’s tower stood at over 50 metres.
Mario Zammit, spokesperson for the Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Gorg V Mqabba, told Times of Malta enthusiasts have been preparing for a year.
“We begin in September and then through the year we work on the design, the music selection and then the digital programming for the display, not to mention the assembly.”
Tower of Light in Mqabba Photo: St Mary's Fireworks Mqabba.He added: “I must admit there is quite a bit of tension until everything goes off, but once they start, it is an incredibly satisfying feeling.”
The show will be divided into four segments:
• A fireworks display synchronised with music.
• Traditional Maltese aerial fireworks (murtali) with multi-break colour shells.
• A second synchronised musical display culminating in a grand finale.
• A mechanised ground fireworks display.
The event will take place on Triq il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Marija, starting at 9.30pm. Visitors are being encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the village.
Last year's Tower of Light.“Take in the artistic street decorations that transform the village into a living gallery of Maltese festa culture,” Zammit said.
The St Mary Fireworks of Mqabba has won multiple international competitions, including the first Malta International Fireworks Festival in 2006, the Caput Lucis World Championships in Rome in 2007 and the National Ground Fireworks Festival in 2010, among other recognitions.
To reach Mqabba, visitors can take the airport route through the Kirkop tunnels, or use alternative routes via Ħal Farruġ Road and Siġġiewi.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/santamarija and www.facebook.com/stmaryfireworksmqabba.