Released on = August 15, 2006, 2:21 pm

Press Release Author = Erick Laseca

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = Debut showing in pyrotechnic competition dazzles Vancouver
audiences

Press Release Body = Mexico recently lit up the Vancouver skyline with its
impressive firework extravaganza, beating out Italy, China and the Czech Republic to
win first place in the HSBC Celebration of Light international event, the world's
second most important fireworks competition.

More than 500 thousand people experienced the firework industry's largest spectator
event live, where Mexico showcased its great pyrotechnic and entertainment
tradition. Every year, event organizers bring together countries, providing each
with a night to present a 30-minute show set to music specially composed for the
competition.

The Mexico Tourism Board hosted Mexico's debut in the 2006 edition of the HSBC
Celebration of Light. This year's edition marks the first time a fourth country was
allowed to compete in the traditionally three-way contest.

The musical backdrop consisted of various different arrangements meant to convey the
warmth and feeling of brotherhood that is inherent to the Mexican culture and
quickly evident to the 22 million international guests Mexico welcomes every year.

Mexican firework company Lux Pirotecnia SA de CV sponsored Mexico's entry, and Jorge
Marques designed the fireworks show as well as put it to music. For more
information, visit www.hsbccelebrationoflight.com.

About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state
governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico\'s tourism
attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico's
tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private
and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and
Latin America.

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Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board Chicago
312-228-0517 x14
312-228-0515 fax
erick_laseca@mia.bm.com


Web Site = http://www.visitmexico.com

Contact Details = Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board Chicago
312-228-0517 x14
312-228-0515 fax
erick_laseca@mia.bm.com