On the evening of 4 March 2026, the sky over Hoi An became the centre of attention as the Hoi An Light & Heritage Festival 2026 officially opened with an unprecedented performance at Hoi An Memories Island.
Dragon–Phoenix lantern drones: A New Year blessing in the sky
A fleet of drones combined with traditional lantern lighting created a dazzling Dragon–Phoenix lantern drone performance, transforming the night sky into a grand stage of light. The majestic images of the Dragon and Phoenix moving across the sky not only delivered a powerful visual spectacle but also conveyed a New Year message of prosperity, good fortune and smooth beginnings.
The highlight of the show came when the Dragon and Phoenix pair “released” lucky blossoms from above, creating a unique blessing ritual in the night sky of Hoi An. The glowing flowers cascading through the air symbolised fortune and auspicious beginnings, while also sparking excitement among the large audience watching below.
After the performance, visitors could bring their “lucky flowers” to the festival booth to exchange them for traditional lucky red envelopes, completing an experience that extended from visual spectacle to real interaction. This connection between sky and ground created a distinctive moment for the opening night, where the blessing ritual continued beyond symbolism and into the festival atmosphere.
The Hoi An sky then lit up once again with a spectacular opening fireworks display, closing the performance with a dramatic visual finale and officially launching the series of activities that will take place throughout the spring season.
The fusion of light, technology, cultural symbolism and New Year wishes created an emotionally resonant opening ritual, making the first night a highlight of Hoi An’s festive season.
From sky to ground: A fully illuminated heritage space
Beyond the sky, the ground of Hoi An Memories Island was equally vibrant with a giant lantern installation under the theme “Châu Ấn Thuyền – A Heritage Canvas.” The imagery of trading ships, international merchants and stories of cultural exchange was recreated through light art, forming a vivid heritage tableau at the heart of the festival.
Accompanying this were traditional craft displays, cultural experience workshops and the mini-show “Châu Ấn Thuyền – A Heritage Canvas”, allowing visitors not only to observe but also to actively participate in the journey of discovery.
With a dazzling opening night, the Hoi An Light & Heritage Festival 2026 officially begins its programme of events running until 30 April, continuing to affirm Hoi An Memories Island as a destination for cultural creativity and contemporary festival experiences.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
