In Avilés, the fireworks “Naturaleza” will officially bring the Fiestas de San Agustín to a close on 27 August. According to the city, the show is planned to last around 21 minutes and was designed by the Ourense-based Pirotecnia Xaraiva specifically for Avilés. Six sequences of “fuegos acuáticos” are planned. The fireworks will be launched from the right bank of the Ría de Avilés from five launch points.
Safety measures have been set in advance: the Policía Portuaria announces a temporary closure to shipping in the Ría de Avilés for the preparations and the show. In the Dársena de San Agustín there will be restrictions on berthing and unberthing, as well as mooring and anchoring. A coastguard vessel from the Guardia Civil will monitor the exclusion zone. Immediately before the show, parts of the lighting will be switched off along the quays and sections of the Paseo Manuel Ponga to ensure good visibility of the fireworks. The operation involves both municipal and state forces: alongside the Policía Local, it includes the Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, fire brigade, medical services, private security staff, representatives of the port authority and the Centro Niemeyer are involved.
The stated aims and design concepts draw on local references. City colours and effects close to the water are intended to create a visual connection with the Ría surroundings; according to Xaraiva, the production is tailored to different audience groups. The city council emphasises that the show is the official close of the festivities and forms part of the city’s events programme.
The fireworks are significant to Avilés both as a tourist attraction and as a symbol; at the same time, they require extensive measures to manage maritime traffic and ensure public safety. Visitors should note that people are not permitted to remain on the affected pontoons during the launches; boat operators can generally stay on board, provided they follow the instructions of the security forces. The authorities also specify the times when restrictions apply and lighting is dimmed.
No reliable figures have yet been published on expected visitor numbers, costs or environmental impacts. Such information is not available in the notices to hand and, if relevant politically or for budgetary purposes, would need to be provided by the city of Avilés. What is clear is that the closing evening brings together public and private bodies, working jointly to ensure the safe running of a major city event.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).