The summer sky in Québec, Canada over Montmorency Falls in the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency became a magnificent canvas for the Loto-Quebec International Fireworks Competition (Les Grands Feux Loto-Quebec) where five countries competed over the course of a 2-month period.

1995 was the first year of the pyromusical shows; since then, each year Canada invites five countries to present pyromusicals in an international fireworks competition, with the previous year's champion returning as one of the five competitors.  

For the 2011 season, there were a total of six shows starting with a presentation by the returning champion, Spain, who began the competition on July 23, followed by a presentation by Russia on July 27, 2011, Portugal on July 30, Mexico on August 3, and Italy on August 6, followed by the grand finale on August 12, with the announcement of the winner of the 2011 competition and a medley of the presentations by each of the five countries. 

We attended the competition on August 6, 2011, and had the opportunity to watch Italy's dynamic presentation of "Notte di fuoco" (Night of Fire). Italy was the first country to present at the first year of competition, and in 2011, Italy was the 100th fireworks presentation celebrating the 17th year of the international competition. 

It was an exciting evening that began with animation projected against the cascading Montmorency Falls that rise 272 feet (83 meters) and are 98.5 feet (30 meters) higher than Niagara Falls as a point of reference. 

At 9:30 pm, when the sky had dramatically darkened, we took our reserved seats in front of the falls to watch the "pyromusical" with spectacular fireworks exploding in a kaleidoscope of brilliant patterns and colors that were beautifully orchestrated to a diverse musical program of contemporary and classical selections to best complement each display. 

After a magical night of fireworks and music, we rode the cable car to the top of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to have dessert at the restaurant Manoir Montmorency, which consisted of semi-freddo al cappuccino au coeur caillant à l'amaretto, and macaron au chocolat to complement a perfect summer's evening. 

The Program - "Notte di fuoco" (Night of Fire)

We later learned that Portugal won the 2011 competition. Congratulations to GRUPO LUSO PIROTECNIA of Portugal, who won the trophy "Solstice Loto-Québec 2011" and the prize "Coup de cœur du public - National Bank". As the 2011 champion, Portugal's team will return in 2012 and present the first show and defend their title for the 18th edition of the Loto-Quebec International Fireworks Competition.

For information on visiting Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and Montmorency Falls, please visit the website: www.SEPAQ.com/ChuteMontmorency 

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
2490, avenue Royale
Beauport, (Québec), Canada G1C 1S1
Telephone:            +1-418-663-3330
Fax:                       +1-418-663-1214
Email:                    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:                www.SEPAQ.com/ChuteMontmorency

For information on attending the Loto-Quebec International Fireworks Competition and for admission rates, please visit the website: www.LesGrandsFeux.com.  

Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec (Loto-Québec International Fireworks)
156, rue Saint Paul
Québec (Québec) G1K 3A9
Canada
Telephone:          +1-418-692-3736
Telephone:          +1-418-523-FEUX (3389)
Toll-Free:            1-888-523-FEUX (3389)
Fax:                     +1-418-692-5650
Website:              www.Lesgrandsfeux.com

Read other articles on Québec, Canada in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs' Recipes , and Spas sections. 

For more information on Québec, Canada please visit the websites: www.QuebecRegion.com and www.BonjourQuebec.com. 

© September 2011. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.