Danish team wins grand fireworks competition at Spain’s San Fermin festival with stunning display of 2000 aerial bombs
Around 2000 aerial bombs with a total weight of 654 kilograms. Add stunning colours and perfect timing between explosions, and you have the most spectacular fireworks display at the traditional San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain. This was the creation of Danish Gunnar B. Knudsen and his team from Højen & Magic Fireworks, who secured first place in the grand fireworks competition.
Knudsen revealed that he received a call from the head of the jury congratulating him on their victory. The team’s display was noted for the careful thought that went into every detail, particularly their focus on keeping the fireworks show simple without unnecessary embellishments. This did not go unnoticed by the jury, who commended the simple but pure style of the Danish team.
The Danish show lasted several minutes and was titled “Nattens Magi” (Magic of the Night). The team placed great importance on the purity of their sections, believing that mixing too many colours in the same section can make the show confusing.
Sections refer to half or whole minutes where specific colours or aerial bombs are used before the next section takes over. The team used aerial bombs instead of rockets for a greater effect. The entire show was electronically controlled, with everything programmed and timed.
Along with the honour of first place comes a cash prize of €5,000. The festival paid for the show and gave 150,000 kroner to Højen & Magic Fireworks. Knudsen and his team will be travelling to Spain to receive their prize from the city’s mayor.
This was the third time Knudsen and his team participated in the iconic Spanish festival. They previously won a silver medal, but this year they finally took home the gold. The San Fermin festival in Pamplona took place from July 6 to 14, held in honour of the city’s patron saint, San Fermin. It also features a world-famous bull run through the city streets.