Building on the excitement of the previous four competition nights, the fifth night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, held on the evening of June 27 and jointly organized by the Da Nang People’s Committee and Sun Group, took audiences on an artistic journey under the theme “Vision”. The showdown between Skylighter Fireworks (Australia) and Macedos Pirotecnia (Portugal) not only concluded the qualifying round but also unfolded inspiring perspectives on aspiration, innovation, and the future through the language of light.
DIFF 2026 continued to affirm its immense appeal as all tickets for the fifth competition night were sold out before the opening. In response to surging demand from both locals and visitors, the Organizing Committee decided to put the A4 grandstand, with more than 2,000 seats, into operation from this competition night instead of waiting until the final night as originally planned.
Photo: Phạm Đăng Khiêm
Not only was the main grandstand filled well before the show began, but riverside streets along the Han River, Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and surrounding areas were also packed with spectators. The festival’s growing influence spread across the city, with a vibrant lineup of cultural, culinary, and tourism activities stretching from Ba Na Hills to My Khe Beach, making Da Nang the most attractive destination of the Central Vietnam summer.
Australia inspires through music, Portugal reaffirms the class of a “creative champion”
Closing the qualifying round of DIFF 2026 was a competition between two teams with distinctive identities. Australia’s Skylighter Fireworks delivered a fireworks performance telling a story of aspiration, courage, and the relentless spirit of pushing beyond limits. Accompanying the display was a selection of globally renowned songs by leading artists including Coldplay, Bon Jovi, and Avicii, creating an emotional journey that moved from gentle inspiration to an explosive climax.
With every melody, the sky above the Han River transformed continuously through layers of multicolored fireworks. Crisp white starbursts, graceful golden-green palm effects, vibrant rainbow patterns, comet chases, and successive wide-blooming fireworks created an energetic visual masterpiece. The finale reached its peak with synchronized volleys filling the sky, conveying a message of reaching farther and believing in the future.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Macedos Pirotecnia returned to Da Nang after winning the “Most Innovation” award at DIFF 2025, determined to surpass its own achievements. This year’s performance was designed as a declaration of “Vision”, where light became a symbol of connection and a guide toward the future. The fireworks were choreographed with high intensity and constantly shifting rhythms, combining Portugal’s signature traditional effects such as high-altitude shells, comet effects, Roman candles, waterfalls, and more with modern techniques to create successive layers of light across the night sky.
The fireworks were synchronized with music and launched from multiple firing points, creating emotionally charged climactic sequences before concluding with brilliant titanium effects that illuminated the entire Han River skyline.
Beyond their technical excellence, the two teams also presented two different interpretations of the “Vision” theme: Australia’s spirit of bold ambition and dreaming big, and Portugal’s artistic depth and storytelling through light.
“I really liked the way the Australian team chose songs that are familiar to international audiences. The music guided our emotions so naturally, while the fireworks seemed to continue the story of each melody,” shared Nguyen Duc Thanh, a visitor from Hanoi.
Meanwhile, Tran Hai Yen from Ho Chi Minh City commented: “Portugal has retained its distinctive style. The fireworks were dense and layered, with one climax following another, leaving the audience almost no pause. It was truly a competition night worthy of closing the qualifying round.”
A grand concert spreading aspirations for the future
Beyond the fireworks, the fifth competition night also featured another vibrant riverside concert. A highlight of the artistic program was the appearance of Duc Phuc, one of today’s leading V-pop vocalists. Performing the songs “Hon Ca Yeu” and “Nguoi Oi Nguoi O Dung Ve”, the singer created an emotional musical atmosphere, joined by Trung Vuong Dance Troupe and MTE Dance Troupe to present a stage production that was both contemporary and deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity.
The excitement continued with Lia Ngoc Nhung’s performance of “Titanium”. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage production conveyed a message of resilience, determination to overcome challenges, and the aspiration to conquer new limits – perfectly embodying the spirit of the “Vision” theme.
Performances of “Abracadabra” and “Bandeira Em Festa” brought youthful international flair before the program concluded with “Nhung Uoc Mo Rang Ngoi”, serving as a heartfelt message of an open future and optimism ahead of the final night.
After five competition nights, DIFF 2026 has continued to reinforce its position as one of the region’s premier fireworks festivals and Asia’s summer rendezvous, deserving its recognition as one of the world’s nine must-experience festivals by the world’s leading travel magazine, Travel + Leisure. With the support of Sun Group, DIFF not only presents world-class fireworks performances but also creates a vibrant space for cultural, musical, and artistic exchange, where every competition night tells its own unique story through light.
Contributing to the festival’s success are major sponsors including Vietnam Airlines and Bizman Media (Diamond Sponsors), Chicilon Media (Media Sponsor), along with other prestigious partners such as Pacific Airlines, Hai Tran Media & Airs Group, and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).
Having concluded the qualifying round with a series of spectacular performances, DIFF 2026 now enters its most eagerly anticipated stage. The final night on July 11 will bring together the season’s two best teams for the ultimate showdown to claim the championship title, promising the most spectacular fireworks display of the season and bringing to a close what is widely regarded as the most emotional, creative, and successful DIFF season in the festival’s history.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
