The annual fireworks competition is a summer institution in Montreal, and we've enjoyed it ever since moving here. This year all the events will be on Saturday nights, and the first was this past weekend. At 8:30 pm, the huge Jacques Cartier Bridge, usually teeming with traffic, is closed to allow pedestrians to come up and view the fireworks from there.
Because there's so much less vibration without the traffic, J. also loves to go up and take photographs when the bridge is closed. It was a gorgeous night, so we rode our bikes down, left them in a nearby neighborhood, and were among the first people onto the bridge. The views toward the city are spectacular, and it's also a unique experience to be alone inside the bridge's pedestrian/bike walkway: all the other people were on the roadway under the main span.
The fireworks start around 10:00 pm. Watching from the ground is good too, but the photo above gives you an idea how close you feel when you're up on the bridge. It's also very loud!
Saturday's entry was from Italy, and it was a particularly beautiful show. All the fireworks are "choreographed" to music that's broadcast on the radio; this show, about 35 minutes long, was scored to selections from Italian opera!
My favorite part was an all-white sequence, some of which is included in the clip I shot, below, along with the grande finale! Enjoy!
Now this was a fine fireworks display. I was totally thrilled to watch this! Something I would never have seen if you had not taken time to share. I too loved the white...I love black and what photography. The contrast is intriguing!
Thanks for the share.
Posted by: magnolia | June 14, 2010 at 02:34 PM
The more I read about Montreal, your experiences and Marja-Leena's, and your pictures, the more I want to go there. I think the mostly harsh climate must make summer a continual celebration for you.
Posted by: Hattie | June 14, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Now that's what I call a firework display!
Amazing, especially the ghosts at the start and the exploding sea urchins!
Thank you for sharing
Posted by: Julie | June 14, 2010 at 03:16 PM
Wow, what a great show! Vancouver also has similar competitions in the summer in English Bay. Now that we've been to Montreal, your posts about the city are even more meaningful and enjoyable, Beth, thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Marja-Leena | June 14, 2010 at 07:09 PM
Now THAT makes me homesick. I used to watch these displays from the roof of my apartment building. :-(
Posted by: Scott | June 15, 2010 at 08:25 PM