Surprising Facts About Fireworks

Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is a celebration of the day that the United States officially became its own nation. This American holiday comes with all kinds of traditions like parades, pool parties, BBQs, and hanging out with friends and family while celebrating freedom.
However you choose to celebrate, one thing that always comes to mind when you think of the Fourth of July is fireworks! Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there is something so exciting about experiencing all the loud pops and cracks as the sky lights up with a colorful show of explosions. Although fireworks are widely used for many occasions like new year celebrations and super bowl games, their popularity is usually at its peak during July 4th in the United States. They are fascinating and loud, but there’s more to them than you probably realize.
The history of fireworks
According to historians, firecrackers and fireworks originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago. It’s believed that a Chinese scientist mixed some chemical elements together to make a powder, creating the first form of ‘gunpowder.’ To make a chemical explosive, the powder was put inside of bamboo stalks resulting in the first man made fireworks. Years later in Europe, fireworks became widely used for entertainment and religious events.
Fun facts about fireworks
Fireworks can get 15 times hotter than the boiling point of water
Although they are pretty and can amplify any event, fireworks can cause injuries, so always use caution. Fireworks and sparklers can burn at a temperature that is over 15 times hotter than the temperature of boiling water. Three sparklers burning together can generate heat that is equal to that of a blowtorch. When your sparkler goes out, it’s best to dispose of it in a bucket of water.
You can estimate just how close you are to action
Similar to seeing lightning before you hear thunder, you can see fireworks explode before you hear them since light travels faster than sound. With some simple calculations, you can estimate how close you are: Count the seconds between the light and the sound of a firework, then multiply that by the speed of sound and you will get the distance (in feet) to the firework. The American Pyrotechnics Association suggests sitting at least 500 feet away from fireworks to get the best view of the show.
World’s largest firework was set off in Colorado in 2020
The largest aerial firework shell was set off in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The record-breaking firework weighed over 2,500 pounds and reached a peak height of over 2,000 feet.
China invented fireworks, but Italy invented more colors
China invented the firework, but the aerial shell was invented by Italy. Initially, the only colors China produced were orange and white, but other colors were later produced by mixing variations of salts.
The first Fourth of July firework show was in Philadelphia in 1777
On July 4, 1777, the first independence celebration took place in Philadelphia. Ships in the harbor were lined in freedom colors while the United States celebrated their freedom with fireworks and cannons. However, fireworks didn’t become a staple of July 4th celebrations until after 1816.
The legendary firework display: Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville, one of the largest firework shows in North America, is an opening ceremony for the annual Kentucky Derby Festival. Since 1956, the firework show has attracted thousands of guests and can be seen for miles over the Ohio River.
There are thousands of firework shows held across the United States during the Independence Day holiday each year, so find one near you and don’t miss out on the explosive entertainment. Although fireworks are recognized for their captivating visual and auditory impact, it is crucial to understand the safety precautions of these explosives. Remember to handle fireworks and sparklers with caution and enjoy the show!