firecracker

n.

A small explosive charge and a fuse in a heavy paper casing, exploded to make noise, as at celebrations.

Also known as a cracker, noisemaker, or banger.

confetti

pl.n.

Small pieces or streamers of colored paper that are scattered around during the course of festive occasions.

Confetti is made up of small pieces of paper or plastic which are usually thrown at celebrations, such as a wedding.

The English word "confetti" is related to the Italian sweet of the same name. Italian confetti are almonds with a hard sugar coating.

eg.

More than 1 million revelers in Times Square greeted 2007 with cheers, kisses and a whopping 3.5 tons of confetti at the city's massive New Year's Eve party.

countdown

n.

The backward counting to indicate the seconds, days, etc. remaining before an event occurs or a deadline expires. Typical events for which a countdown is used include the launch of a rocket or spacecraft, the explosion of a bomb, the start of a race, or the New Year. Countdown also means the period immediately before sth important happens.

v. count down

fireworks

n.

Display of fireworks. Also called a fireworks display, fireworks event or fireworks show.

firework

n.

A device containing chemicals that burn or explode spectacularly, used at celebrations or as a signal. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display.