During the impactful finale of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2024), the theme “Made by Young Generation” was celebrated, reflecting the innovative spirit and forward-looking vision of the event. The festival concluded with a memorable triumph for the Finnish team. Across nearly two summer months, DIFF 2024 captivated audiences, transforming the city by the Han River into a dynamic center that attracted tens of thousands of tourists each competition night.
A thrilling showdown between China and Finland
Many spectators praised the performances by the Chinese team Liuyang Jingduan New-art Display Co. and the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks AB as a captivating display of light and music.
Performance by the Chinese team
The team representing China delivered an impressive performance at the DIFF 2024 final with a presentation titled “Dazzling Da Nang”. Their captivating display, which drew inspiration from the beauty and affection for Da Nang, showcased innovative music fusing traditional Chinese melodies with Western vitality. The dynamic interplay of the fireworks throughout each phase resulted in a compelling visual spectacle, courtesy of the Liuyang Jingduan New-art Display Co.
Performance by the Finnish team
In a display of contrasting styles, the Finnish team presented a modern and lively performance that captivated the audience and judges with their unique aerial and water-based firing techniques, using approximately 10,000 fireworks. Their performance set the summer night in Da Nang ablaze, offering novel effects and inspiring the audience.
Following a complex decision-making process, the organizers announced that Finland officially secured the championship of DIFF 2024, winning an award of $20,000. The Chinese team claimed second place with a prize of $10,000. Both teams were equally matched and highly praised by the audience and judges, prompting wishes for dual first prizes for this season.
The results were determined based on criteria including uniqueness, design ideas, adherence to the performance theme, variety and richness of effects, color intensity, synchronization between music and the performance, the ending and overall impression of the performance, and emotional impact and evaluations from the judges.
Additionally, during the final night of the event, the organizers recognized the French team with the “Creative” award for their impressive preliminary round performance, while the Italian team received the “Most Popular” award, reflecting their success in winning the audience’s affection with their captivating performance “Radiant Universe: Symphony of Light”. Both awards are valued at $5,000 each.
The Finnish team was highly praised by the DIFF 2024 jury.
According to artist Ho Dinh Nam Kha, a member of the DIFF 2024 jury, both teams were excellent. However, the Finnish performance stood out with its sound structure, color, and movement at high and low altitudes, combined harmoniously with music. The fireworks’ colors were transparent and paired impressively with rock music.
Another jury member, musician Duc Trinh, emphasized that both teams were outstanding and had only one short week to prepare for the final. Despite this, Finland proved to have an edge in bravery, expertise, and creativity. Finland’s music selection better evoked emotions and suited the festive atmosphere.
The Finnish team leader and DIFF 2024 champion, Johan Dan Erik Hollaender, expressed his delight, saying, “We will definitely celebrate this championship as much as we can. Da Nang is a wonderful city with wonderful people. DIFF is growing stronger yearly and becoming an even more spectacular competition.”
David Lawrence, a British tourist, described his first experience at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival as a “sumptuous feast” that he will remember for the rest of his life. After witnessing the most beautiful fireworks, he expressed his desire to return to Da Nang for future fireworks festivals.
Nadia Shakira Wong, Director of Global 2000 company, stated that DIFF is becoming a prestigious competition that every fireworks team wants to try: “Both finalist teams performed exceptionally well tonight, especially given they had only one week to prepare with a limited number of fireworks. I am proud of them. In future DIFF seasons, we will bring promising Asian rookies to compete against the top European teams”.
No less captivating than the two fireworks displays in the final were the special art performances in the sky and on stage. Right from the opening moments, the program immediately amazed the audience with a unique, brilliant, and new drone light show in the sky. By the Han River, the DIFF 2024 stage, equipped with large lifting tables and modern lighting systems that flexibly moved up and down, offered the best views of the fireworks area, creating a unique and multi-dimensional dazzling performance space.
The song “Then We Will Watch Fireworks Together” opened a romantic space with colorful fireworks, reminiscent of a vibrant light party by the Han River. Specially designed for DIFF, the large-scale art program “Rhythm of the Future” debuted in Da Nang, bringing a modern, energetic vibe, aiming for a shared future where new ideas and potentials are unlocked, in line with the final night’s theme. Popular songs like “Flowers” by Blackpink, “Wonderful Da Nang” by Only C, “Field of Wind” by Vo Thien Thanh, and “Live True” by Oplus, performed by famous singers like Uyen Linh, Hoang Hai, Anh Tu, along with dance troupes and artists from Sun World Ba Na Hills, seemed to “ignite” Da Nang’s night with youthful and fervent dances.
DIFF 2024 – A “switch” activating Da Nang’s entire tourism industry, a switch that
The highly anticipated final evening between two prominent nations, China and Finland, transformed Da Nang into a prime destination in the region. It led to a substantial upsurge in the city’s tourism sector and left a meaningful imprint on the local economy.
As reported by the Da Nang Department of Tourism, between July 11 and 13, 455 flights arrived in Da Nang. In the lead-up to the final evening (July 12), a remarkable 162 flights touched down in the city near the Han River, representing an increase of over 40% compared to regular weekdays. On the concluding night of DIFF 2024 (July 13), the city’s lodging establishments catered to an estimated 90,017 guests, including approximately 30,970 international visitors. The occupancy rate of the city’s hotel rooms nearly reached total capacity at an impressive 95%. Moreover, the occupancy rate for cruise ships reached 100%, attaining total capacity.
DIFF 2024 emerged as the focal point, igniting a vibrant summer season in Da Nang and fortifying the city with the Han River’s standing as a premier tourist destination in the nation. This event also underscores the active participation of private enterprises and the resolute commitment of Da Nang City to organize a large-scale, high-caliber international festival, reinforcing its reputation as a leading festival destination in Asia.
The Chairman of Da Nang People’s Committee presented a commemorative plaque to Sun Group.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Binh – Chairman of Sun Group in the Central region: “Witnessing the delight of the people of Da Nang and the visitors attending DIFF fills us with immense pride. Our substantial investment in DIFF has proven worthwhile, affirming our role as a responsible enterprise for the local community. It is significant to contribute in a small but impactful way to developing Da Nang city and Vietnam’s tourism.”
The preparation and execution of the program’s script spanned a year. With the mobilization of over 2,000 city personnel, including nearly 400 from Sun Group, DIFF 2024 culminated in a resounding success, making a significant contribution to the city’s socio-economic advancement. The highly anticipated final evening between two prominent nations, China and Finland, transformed Da Nang into a prime destination in the region. It led to a substantial upsurge in the city’s tourism sector and left a meaningful imprint on the local economy.
Mr. Le Trung Chinh, the Da Nang City People’s Committee Chairman, emphasized the significant cultural and tourism impact of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival since its inception in 2008. He highlighted the city’s continuous efforts to introduce new, captivating cultural and tourism offerings, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Following the conclusion of DIFF 2024, Da Nang is pleased to invite both domestic and international tourists to partake in the Enjoy Da Nang 2024 Festival and indulge in the splendor of the Symphony of River Show. This event extends the fireworks experience by presenting a multi-dimensional show at Da Nang Downtown, featuring a nightly 10-minute fireworks display. Additionally, visitors can eplore Sun World Ba Na Hills to witness world-class shows and partake in a lively beer festival year-round.
While the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival has drawn to a close for 2024, it symbolizes the commencement of an exciting new chapter for Da Nang. The city promises many exhilarating experiences throughout the year, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and thriving urban landscape, establishing itself as Vietnam’s most compelling destination for visitors and residents alike.
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION