Every year, the sea, sky, and light come together in Tarragona to offer a spectacle of pure magic: the International “Ciutat de Tarragona” Fireworks Contest. This year, the iconic event celebrates its 33rd edition, transforming, as has become tradition, Punta del Miracle into a grand pyrotechnic stage.
This edition comes with some new features: a concrete structure that previously shaded part of the beach has been removed, leaving ample, unobstructed space to accommodate thousands of people and offer unbeatable views. The event brings together four international pyrotechnic companies — from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Valencia — who will compete for the prestigious Venus de Tarragona trophy, showcasing their creativity and skill.
For four nights, the sky over Tarragona will be filled with light and colour in a show that attracts tens of thousands of people, cementing the competition’s status as one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Shuttle2Sun takes you to Tarragona with low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
A tradition that has lit up Tarragona since 1990
The International “Ciutat de Tarragona” Fireworks Contest has its origins in 1990, when it was first held as part of the Festes de Santa Tecla. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most prominent pyrotechnic competitions in the Mediterranean and Europe, attracting thousands of visitors every summer. Over the years, this event has gone from being a simple exhibition to becoming a true international competition where creativity, technique, rhythm, originality, and the integration of the show with the maritime environment are valued.
Over more than three decades, the competition has welcomed some of the best pyrotechnic companies in the world, from national firms with a long tradition to renowned international companies. Each year, participants compete for the prestigious ‘Trofeu Venus Ciutat de Tarragona’ award, a symbol of pyrotechnic excellence. This award not only recognises the quality of the show, but also grants the winner the honour of being responsible for the fireworks display at Santa Tecla, the city’s main festival.
Technical developments have also been remarkable: traditional shows have given way to innovative proposals with safer and more sustainable materials, increasingly sophisticated effects and visual designs specifically tailored to the setting of Miracle Beach. This growth has allowed the competition to establish itself not only as a cultural and festive event, but also as a key tourist attraction in Tarragona‘s summer calendar.
Programme for the International “Ciutat de Tarragona” Fireworks Contest
The 33rd edition of the competition will light up the city from 2nd to 5th of July, with a preliminary drone show on the 1st of July, designed for acoustic sensitivities, where more than 300 drones will fly at sunset over Punta del Miracle. This proposal marks a silent and avant-garde introduction to the fireworks displays.
Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers shared transfer services and private transfer services that are low-cost and sustainable, so you can travel to Tarragona from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport, and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
National artists
The opening of this edition will be led by Pirotecnia El Pilar, from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the oldest in Spain with more than a century and a half of history. On the 2nd of July, they will put on an elegant display at Punta del Miracle with effects synchronised with the sea, consolidating their prestige on the national scene.
On the other hand, Thursday, the 3rd of July, will once again feature one of the public’s favourites: Pirotecnia Valenciana, winner in Tarragona in 2013 and 2016. It is directed by one of the best fireworks designers, José Manuel Crespo. This show is expected to use the most gunpowder, with up to 580 kg.
International artists
Friday, the 4th of July, will see the debut of Illusion Fireworks, a British company led by award-winning designer Karl Mitchell-Shead, whose work has been recognised in international competitions in 2022 and 2024. Their 2025 show promises an artistic staging with more than 570 kg of gunpowder and highly innovative visual effects.
Finally, the competition will close with a performance by Dream Fireworks, a Dutch company specialising in symphonic pyrotechnic shows. Their closing show combines orchestrated music with large-scale effects, emphasising the perfect synchronisation between sound and colour. The result will be a vibrant finale on the night of 5th of July, raising the staging to the highest level of technical and artistic excellence.
Where to watch the fireworks in Tarragona?
One of the great attractions of the Tarragona International Fireworks Contest is undoubtedly the opportunity to watch the shows from privileged locations, which not only offer exceptional views of the illuminated sky, but also a unique experience by the sea.
Miracle Beach is the epicentre of the event. From the shore, thousands of people enjoy a front-row, immersive view of the pyrotechnic displays, which are launched from Punta del Miracle. The recent transformation of this space, with the removal of the concrete platform and the future restoration of the natural landscape, will make it a more pleasant, sustainable environment that is open to the public.
Another iconic option is the Balcó del Mediterrani, a viewpoint located at the end of Rambla Nova. From its railings, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, allowing you to appreciate the fireworks from a different perspective. A short distance away, the Passeig de Sant Antoni also offers a quieter place to enjoy the show, surrounded by greenery and with unobstructed views of the Punta del Miracle.
For one week in summer, Tarragona is transformed into a magical setting where the sea, history and light come together in a single spectacle. With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, which are low-cost and sustainable, you can reach Tarragona from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
