Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic, cultural, and religious purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics) is a display of the effects produced by firework devices. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. Fireworks take many forms to produce the four primary effects: noise, light, smoke, and floating materials (confetti, for example). They may be designed to burn with flames and sparks of many colors, typically red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver. Displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations.

Fireworks are generally classified by where they perform, either on the ground or in the air, as aerial fireworks. In the latter case they may provide their own propulsion (skyrocket) or be shot into the air by a mortar (aerial shell). The most common feature of either type of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube filled with the combustible material, often pyrotechnic stars. A number of these tubes or shells are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of sparkling shapes, often variously colored. The aerial shell is the backbone of today's commercial aerial display. Ground fireworks, although less popular than aerial ones, create a stunning exhibition. They can produce various shapes, such as simple rotating circles, stars, and 3D globes.

The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th-century China, where they were invented. Chinese generals were looking for ways to ward off invaders from other lands without causing so many casualties among Chinese soldiers. Much earlier, the Chinese had learned how to make basic explosives, and knew about the startled or even frightened reaction they often caused in people who were not familiar with them. The generals had their scientists figure out how to shoot fireworks into the air on makeshift rockets. These first fireworks displays were meant to frighten off enemies before the battle began, and it worked!

During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), many of the common people could purchase various kinds of fireworks from market vendors, and grand displays of fireworks were also known to be held. In 1110, a large fireworks display in a martial demonstration was held to entertain Emperor Huizong of Song (r. 1100–1125) and his court. A record from 1264 states that a rocket-propelled firework went off near the Empress Dowager Gong Sheng and startled her during a feast held in her honor by her son, Emperor Lizong of Song (r. 1224–1264). Rocket propulsion was common in warfare, as evidenced by the Huolongjing compiled by Liu Ji (1311–1375) and Jiao Yu (fl. c. 1350–1412). In 1240 the Arabs acquired knowledge of gunpowder and its uses from China. A Syrian named Hasan al-Rammah wrote of rockets, fireworks, and other incendiaries, using terms that suggested he derived his knowledge from Chinese sources, such as his references to fireworks as "Chinese flowers."