New York prepares for an epic show with more than 80,000 fireworks, live music with stars such as the Jonas Brothers and Lenny Kravitz, and a staging designed to excite the entire country.
New York dresses in red, white and blue. On Friday, July 4, the sky on the East River will be the scene of one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year: the traditional fireworks show of Macy’s. An event that is already part of the DNA of the whole country and that, in its 2025 edition, promises to exceed all expectations with a visual and sound deployment that will link millions of people in the same emotion.
The heart of the show will be the more than 80,000 pyrotechnic projectiles that will illuminate the sky for 25 minutes of pure adrenaline. Four barges anchored in the East River, in front of the lower part of Manhattan, will simultaneously launch a symphony of lights and colors that will reach up to 305 meters high. The best places to see it? Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens will offer strategic points, although it is recommended to arrive early: multitudes are expected and some streets will be closed to traffic.
But the magic will not be alone in the air. This year, Macy’s adds a soundtrack specially created for the event, with a musical direction of Questlove and James Poyser, members of the band The Roots. They were in charge of composing an original score, synchronized with the fires, which will travel different iconic moments in US history. From classic hymns to contemporary tributes, the sound will be as shocking as the image.
To this is added a luxury artistic grid: the Jonas Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Trisha Yearwood, Ava Max, Eric Church and Keke Palmer will be part of the event, with live and recorded presentations that will be part of the national broadcast. The driving will be in charge of Ariana Debose, recognized Broadway actress and Oscar winner by West Side Story, who was also host of the Tony Awards.
One of the most innovative aspects of this year will be the inclusion of mapping projections on the iconic Brooklyn bridge, creating an immersive visual experience. Among the pyrotechnic figures that will be deployed, real jellyfish (known as Crown Jellyfish), atomic rings, solar bursts in yellow and green tones, and stroboscopic light waterfalls in lemon color. In addition, there will be an emotional tribute to the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, with special effects specially designed for the occasion.
Those who cannot attend in person will have the possibility of following the event from home. NBC will broadcast live from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm et, and will also be available via streaming in Peacock. For the Hispanic Audience, Telemundo will offer a special subtitled broadcast from 9:00 pm
For Macy’s, this event goes beyond entertainment: it is a national unity symbol. “We turn on the sky to light the hearts throughout the country. We create shared memories that connect generations,” said Will Coss, executive producer of the show.
This celebration is not only a New York postcard for the world. It is also a reflection of the American spirit: resilient, diverse and deeply festive. In a global context loaded with tensions, this appointment seeks to remember the importance of identity, culture and shared values.
So, either from the path of a New York park, on the terrace of a building or in front of the TV, on July 4, 2025 it will be a day to look at the sky and let yourself go. Because when New York celebrates, it makes it big. And this year, it promises a show as dazzling as unforgettable. By: Nahuel Leto
Source: Macy’s
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