NYC's July 4 fireworks shows to take place on various nights this year: mayor

Video: "This year is gonna be different,"New YorkMayor Bill de Blasio tells his dailybriefing on June 23, 2020. (Xinhua)

"We do not want a lot of people out watching,"says the mayor.

NEW YORK, June 23 (Xinhua) -- New York City will celebrate this year's Independence Day with various fireworks shows on different nights to avoid huge crowds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the mayor's office, from June 29 to July 1 and on July 4, fireworks displays will be held at various land and water-based locations across the city.

The first three shows this year will be limited in five minutes, while the finale on July 4 will feature major cultural figures to pay tribute to health care workers, first responders and other frontline workers, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at Tuesday's briefing.

Fireworks explode over the sky to celebrate U.S. Independence Day in New York, the United States, July 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

"This year is going to be different. It will not be like the past, where there's one big giant show. We do not want a lot of people out watching," he said.

The time and location of the displays have not been announced. The mayor's office said in a statement that the first three ones will be over before people can gather at the source of the fireworks, while the grand finale on the Independence Day will be broadcast live on TV.

"With heights reaching up to 1,000 feet from some firing locations, staying close to home and following social distancing guidelines is the best way to enjoy the show," the statement said.

Fireworks explode over the sky to celebrate U.S. Independence Day in New York, the United States, July 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show has been a tradition in New York City for over 40 years. Tens of thousands of people would normally gather along the riverside on the night to watch the show.

When the city was at the peak of COVID-19 infections, the mayor had promised New Yorkers that the annual fireworks show will be held, but in a different way.

The city entered phase two of reopening on Monday, during which large gatherings are still banned, according to New York state's phased reopening strategy.

Fireworks are displayed during the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks 2019 to celebrate U.S. Independence Day in New York, the United States, July 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

The mayor said on Tuesday that the city will launch a crackdown on illegal fireworks because they are noisy and dangerous.

"We're going to start a huge sting operation to go and get these illegal fireworks at the base -- meaning everywhere they're being sold around New York City, and even where they're being sold in surrounding states that we know are flowing into New York City," he said. ■