Vancouver is full of traditions; they shape the city and make people fall in love with it.

The Celebration of Light is one of those traditions, a fireworks competition between three different countries that takes place annually in English Bay, three nights during the Canadian summer when the whole city stops, people go all around the seawall to watch these beautiful and magical shows.

The city is passionate about the celebration; everyone waits for summer to arrive so that this moment can also come, truly a great tradition and I can say here, my favorite.

(Pixabay)

But unfortunately, this past week, it was announced that for the first time in 33 years, 2026 will not have the Celebration of Light. The news is sad, but the event organizers themselves made it clear in the announcement that this was a very difficult decision, but that it is impossible to continue without the financial support of the government and the private sector.

The event, besides being a moment that brings together friends, family, and an entire city around Vancouver’s beaches, is also a free event. The increased cost of products and the lack of federal financial aid are factors that ensure the celebration continues.

In 2025, the organizers still tried to find ways to raise money. Because English Bay gets very crowded, it’s difficult to find a comfortable place to stay, so they sold seats and some lounges, but that wasn’t enough.

The cancellation of the 2026 Celebration of Light doesn’t mean it’s a permanent decision; perhaps it could happen again in the coming years, but unfortunately, it won’t be possible next year, and that’s already confirmed.

Executive producer Paul Runnals said the organization tried everything, finding different ways to continue the event, but it really wasn’t possible, and this lack of help was becoming exhausting for them.

Of course there is still hope, but for now the Vancouver sky will no longer have its fireworks show.