NEW YORK — The Big Apple was ablaze with color and emotion Friday night as thousands of spectators gathered across the city for the 49th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show — a patriotic spectacle that turned the night sky into a canvas of light and unity.
The celebration began at 9:25 p.m., unleashing more than 80,000 shells from four barges stationed along the East River. Among the dazzling display was a ghost shell that soared 1,000 feet into the air, while for the first time ever, the majestic Brooklyn Bridge itself became part of the art, illuminated by a breathtaking visual projection show.
For many, the emotional highlight came as fireworks resembling a cascading waterfall flowed from the bridge into the river below, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd.
“Thank you, Macy’s, every year for what you do. I’m crying. Yes. I’m crying. This is New York City. This doesn’t happen this way, anywhere else,” said Maribel Abreu, 54, as she wiped tears from her eyes at South Street Seaport’s Pier 17.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than the Brooklyn Bridge in the world, and the bridge was on fire today.”
The display also carried deep meaning for Army veteran Sherrie Hughes, 40, who served in Afghanistan and traveled from California to witness the event.
“There is no other place like New York City to celebrate the spirit of America,” said Hughes, a former New Yorker. “This seemed purposeful. We all need to unite as a people and celebrate together.”
For Hughes, the waterfall-like fireworks cascading from the bridge were the evening’s most stirring moment — a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd.
“The waterfall was insane. It’s probably one of the best fireworks that’s ever happened in New York. It is probably, like, the best event ever. Incredible show. Just incredible,” added Abreu’s 16-year-old son, Maxwell Lizardi.
Tourists from around the world also made the pilgrimage to the city for the event, including Sol Pereya, 27, who traveled from Cordoba, Argentina, with her family.
“We knew that this was very special and very unique, so we did everything to be here today,” Pereya said. The show moved her family so deeply that they huddled together mid-show to share how much they loved each other.
For longtime New Yorkers, the sight of fireworks and projections on the Brooklyn Bridge marked a historic first. Spectators watched in awe as an American flag unfurled across one of the bridge’s towers, followed by an image of an eagle soaring over an open road — a stirring tribute to the nation’s ideals.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show, already regarded as one of the nation’s premier Independence Day celebrations, left many calling it the most spectacular display the city has ever seen.
