Fireworks, the forerunners of rockets, were invented by the Chinese. The ancient Chinese invented gunpowder (made of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal dust) roughly 2,000 years ago, and used it for making fireworks, which were used to celebrate important occasions. Chinese fireworks were probably brought to Europe in the 1400's by European Crusaders.
A fireworks event (also called a fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. The biggest fireworks event in the world is held in Madeira, (Portugal) at the New Years' Eve celebrations, as referred in the Guinness World Records.