Sands China has launched a new exhibition at Sands Gallery exploring the history and cultural significance of Macau’s firecracker industry – once one of the city’s four major industries.
Sands China is presenting an exhibition at Sands Gallery exploring the history and cultural significance of the firecracker industry, once hailed as one of Macau’s four traditional industries.
In the 20th century, Macau was one of the world’s largest producers of firecrackers. Its products were not only popular in the Chinese market but also exported to Europe and America for their superior quality, showcasing the historical glory of “Made in Macao.”
Titled “A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance,” the exhibition focuses on the firecracker industry in Macau. Commemorating the centenary of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory, it took over two years to prepare. It was curated by Sands China in collaboration with the government, university, private sector and businesses, mobilizing resources from the Macau University of Science and Technology Library and Faculty of Humanities and Arts, the Macao Museum and The Archives of Macao, among others.
Through documents, production tools and artistic transformations, the exhibition recreates a period in Macau’s history where the firecracker industry profoundly shaped the city’s landscape. The exhibition runs until 31 August at Sands Gallery, on the sixth floor of the The Grand Suites at Four Seasons.
The firecraker industry has gradually faded from Macau’s daily life with changing times. This exhibition uses culture and art to bring this dormant industrial memory back to life. It brings together over 400 exhibits, including original documents, production tools,and packaging materials, showcasing how Macau’s firecracker industry transitioned from small workshops to the international market.
The exhibition unfolds its narrative through six chapters, starting with an immersive prologue to guide visitors through the industry’s development, the spirit of craftsmanship, historical archives and interactive experiences, ultimately focusing on the visual aesthetics of firecrackers packaging. The content presents the practical aspects of production, operation, transportation and export, while also highlighting the inherent design wisdom and industrial beauty, allowing the younger generation and tourists to rediscover Macau’s rich cultural heritage through creativity and craftsmanship.
The exhibition invited Professor Ung Vai Meng, a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, who has long studied the history of Macau’s firecracker industry, to serve as curator. Based on solid academic research and rare archives, the exhibition systematically organizes the century-long history of the industry. At the same time, through artistic interpretation, it transforms the spirit of “Made in Macao” into a cultural experience that can be viewed, felt and participated in. This exhibition is also the first comprehensive exhibition to systematically review, study and showcase the developmental history of Macau’s firecracker industry, further expanding the cultural benefits of the revitalised Iec Long Firecracker Factory.
Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd, said, “Since taking on the revitalisation of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory in 2023, we have actively invested resources to breathe new life into this important era of Macau’s industrial history, reimagining it as a cultural symbol where heritage is renewed through innovation. By rejuvenating this integral chapter of Macau’s past, Sands Gallery offers the public free access to discover the brilliance, creativity and craftsmanship that underpinned the city’s firecracker industry, inspiring younger generations and visitors to appreciate Macau’s strongest competitive edge – its profound cultural heritage. We will continue to work closely with all sectors of society to support the integration of culture and tourism, promoting Macau’s diverse arts and culture on an ever-expanding stage.”
Professor Ung added, “Firecracker manufacturing was once one of Macau’s most important traditional industries and it represents a shared collective memory of the last century. In the 1950s and 1960s, Macau-produced firecrackers accounted for an estimated 30% to over half of global output. I am delighted to collaborate with Sands China to present this exhibition, enabling today’s residents and visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Macau’s firecracker manufacturing industry, thereby recognizing the roots and origins of Macau’s multiculturalism.”
In addition, in March of this year, Sands China became first integrated tourism and leisure enterprise to participate as an associate partner in the Hong Kong international arts event “Art Central,” bringing the stories and aesthetics of Macau’s firecrackers, along with the outstanding works of three young Macau artists, to the international stage, leading global audiences to experience Macau’s rich cultural heritage blending Chinese and Western influences. Prof. Ung also held a special seminar at Art Central on 29 March, analyzing the development of Macau’s firecracker industry from the perspectives of art design and documentation, and recounting Macau’s folk memories and aesthetic values.
Furthermore, the Macau University of Science and Technology Library and the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, in conjunction with Sands China, has co-organized the exhibition “Timeless Treasures: Archival Materials of Macao’s Firecracker Industry” at the 3/F, Macau University of Science and Technology Library. The exhibition began in early May and runs until 31 August, using newspapers, tax returns, invoices, packaging materials and other documents to tell the historical context of Macau’s firecracker industry. These multiple exhibitions complement each other, allowing the memory of this once-thriving industry to resonate once again in the contemporary era.
