Fourth of July Fireworks Display at Macy's 2025 leaves New York City viewers emotional, honoring "the essence of America"
The skies above New York City were set ablaze with colour and light on the 4th of July, as thousands of spectators gathered for the 49th Annual Macy's Fireworks Spectacular. This much-anticipated event, which served as a welcome distraction from the current climate, brought people together in celebration of America's independence.
While the Brooklyn Bridge has been a backdrop to various NYC celebrations over the years, the 2022 show marked a unique milestone. For the first time, an unprecedented art show was projected onto the majestic Brooklyn Bridge during the fireworks display. However, it is important to clarify that this was not a first for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks; the large-scale projection mapping onto the Brooklyn Bridge was a new innovation introduced in 2025 [1][2].
The 2022 show, which began at 9:25 p.m., featured 80,000 shells launched from four barges on the East River. One of the most memorable moments was a spectacular waterfall effect, created by the careful arrangement of the fireworks, cascading from the Brooklyn Bridge into the East River below. Sherrie Hughes, an Army veteran and former New Yorker, found this to be her favourite part of the show, commenting, "There is no other place like New York City to celebrate the spirit of America."
Maribel Abreu, a Brooklynite, expressed her emotions, stating, "There's nothing more beautiful than the Brooklyn Bridge in the world, and the bridge was on fire today." Maxwell Lizardi, a 16-year-old spectator, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "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."
Sol Pereya, who travelled from Cordoba, Argentina, specifically to see this year's fireworks show, was left in awe. She described the Brooklyn Bridge as the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and her family was deeply moved by the spectacle, huddling together to express their love for each other.
Despite the absence of the large-scale projection mapping that would become a feature in 2025, the 2022 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show was a resounding success, providing a memorable and captivating display for all who attended. Hughes, reflecting on the event, emphasised its power to unite, stating, "It was purposeful in bringing people together, and that's what America is all about."
[1] [New York Daily News](https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/2022/07/04/macys-4th-of-july-fireworks-show-2022-brooklyn-bridge-projection-mapping-american-flag-eagle/)
[2] [CBS New York](https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2022/07/04/macys-4th-of-july-fireworks-brooklyn-bridge-projection-mapping/)
The art show projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge during the fireworks display served as an additional source of entertainment. The unique spectacle left Sol Pereya, a visitor from Argentina, in awe and deemed it the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
