Mqabba Sets New Fireworks Record with 90m Trail
Imagine standing on the bustling Triq il-Kbira in Mqabba, the scent of gunpowder heavy in the air, as a colossal firework soars skyward, painting the night with a 90-metre trail of light. This wasn’t a dream, but a reality for the villagers and spectators who gathered to witness an extraordinary feat of pyrotechnic prowess. Mqabba’s fireworks enthusiasts claim they’ve set a new record with their mammoth display, and the local community is abuzz with pride and excitement.
Shooting for the Stars: The Record-Breaking Attempt
In the heart of Malta’s southern region lies Mqabba, a village renowned for its annual fireworks display, a tradition that dates back over a century. This year, however, the villagers aimed higher than ever before. Their ambitious goal? To set a new world record for the longest firework trail.
The attempt took place on the eve of Mqabba’s patron saint feast, a time when the village transforms into a vibrant celebration of faith, community, and, of course, fireworks. The team of enthusiasts, led by local resident and pyrotechnics expert, Joe Xuereb, spent months planning and preparing for the record-breaking shot.
Crafting a Monster: The Firework Behind the Record
To achieve their lofty ambition, the team needed to create a firework unlike any other. After weeks of meticulous crafting, they produced a monster of a shell, weighing in at a staggering 120 kilograms. This wasn’t just any firework; it was a colossal, custom-built ‘cake’ – a series of smaller fireworks stacked together to create a single, massive effect.
The secret to their record-breaking attempt lay in the unique design of the cake. Instead of the usual quick, explosive burst, this cake was engineered to burn slowly, creating a longer, more sustained trail. The team calculated that, with the right conditions, their creation could potentially reach a height of 100 metres and a trail length of 90 metres.
Lights, Camera, Action: The Record Attempt Unfolds
The night of the attempt arrived, and with it, a palpable sense of anticipation. The streets of Mqabba filled with spectators, their eyes fixed on the sky above the village’s main square. As the clock struck the appointed hour, the team made their way to the launch site, a field just off Triq il-Kbira.
With a countdown echoing through the village, the team ignited the fuse. A hush fell over the crowd as they waited, hearts pounding in anticipation. Then, with a roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of Mqabba, the monster firework launched into the night sky.
The crowd gasped as the firework soared higher and higher, its trail of light stretching out behind it like a comet’s tail. Cheers erupted as the trail reached 50 metres, then 60, then 70. The villagers watched, breathless, as their record-breaking attempt unfolded above them.
When the final embers of the firework faded from the sky, the crowd erupted into rapturous applause. The team, meanwhile, was already poring over video footage, eager to confirm whether their ambitious attempt had been successful.
