In the blink of an eye, it was East Africa's New Year again.
"Whoosh..."
In the central square of First Town, neatly arranged fireworks were lit one after another, instantly blossoming across the pitch-black sky. Many residents gathered with their entire families to admire the dazzling display.
With no industrial pollution, First Town's skies were exceptionally clear, its stars brilliant. The fireworks merged with the Milky Way in the deep night sky, creating a sight that was a feast for the eyes.
The only regret was the lack of crackling firecrackers ringing out in unison, so the atmosphere was still somewhat lacking. But for East African people whose lives were relatively monotonous, being able to watch fireworks during the New Year was already enough to satisfy them.
"This is the first time I've seen a fireworks display during New Year in East Africa. It seems the country's economy is getting better and better. East Africa used to lack everything, but now there are all kinds of new things!"
European fireworks technology had been introduced from the Far East during the Mongol Empire's western campaigns and quickly became popular throughout Europe. Production had already begun in Italy during the sixteenth century, and after several centuries of development, fireworks were hardly anything unusual.
East Africa's history of fireworks production, meanwhile, was very short. They had only been introduced in 1878, and only after two years of development had the industry begun to take shape. That was why so many old immigrants sighed with feeling after watching the fireworks display.
East Africa had only one fireworks factory, built in Mbeya city. Fireworks had few uses in East Africa; aside from government procurement, almost no private citizens bought them. Generally, they were only useful during holidays, festivals, and celebrations.
Thus, Mbeya city's single factory