After three consecutive competition nights that generated strong buzz across social media and repeatedly sold out, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, organized by the Da Nang People’s Committee in partnership with Sun Group, continued its spectacular journey on the evening of June 20 with the fourth competition night themed “Creativity.”
If the first three nights explored the themes of Nature, Heritage, and Culture, the fourth night opened a space where bold ideas were transformed into artistic expressions through the language of light. The showdown between Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) and Apple Pyrotechnics Co., Ltd (Macao, China) showcased two completely different approaches, both pushing the boundaries of fireworks artistry.
Beyond the excitement in the grandstands, DIFF 2026 continues to provide a significant boost to Da Nang’s tourism industry. Statistics show that after the first three competition nights, accommodation establishments across the city served more than 326,000 visitors, an increase of 36.7% compared to the same period in 2025. International arrivals exceeded 136,000, up 33.7%, while domestic visitors reached nearly 190,000, up 38.9%. Average hotel occupancy citywide surpassed 70%, approximately 20% higher than the same period last year. On the third competition night alone, nearly 115,000 visitors stayed overnight in Da Nang, with occupancy reaching 75%, further confirming DIFF’s strong appeal among domestic and international travelers.
Germany Paints the Sky, Macao (China) Brings Journey to the West to Life Through Fireworks
Making its DIFF debut, Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke GmbH & Co. KG from Germany presented a performance titled “Pyrographics.” True to its name, the display transformed Da Nang’s night sky into a giant canvas painted with fire and light.
With a history spanning more than 150 years, the German team demonstrated its strengths in structure, precision, and flawless synchronization between music and fireworks effects. Golden willow shells, glittering crowns, silver brush effects, and multi-break star shells followed one another seamlessly, creating layers of light rich in depth and visual artistry. Carefully programmed to match every musical beat, the performance resembled a massive animated graphic masterpiece unfolding above the Han River.
Music also played a key role in Germany’s presentation. Powerful rock, electronic tracks, and emotionally charged cinematic scores continuously elevated the atmosphere, delivering a modern, energetic, and dynamic experience.
Meanwhile, Apple Pyrotechnics Co., Ltd from Macao (China) adopted a more cinematic storytelling approach with its performance “Celestial Journey to the West.”
Inspired by the classic literary masterpiece Journey to the West, the Macao team guided audiences through a mythical adventure using a combination of orchestral music, electronic sounds, and water-based fireworks effects—one of the team’s signature strengths on the international stage.
Familiar melodies recreated iconic scenes from the legendary tale, while fan-shaped fireworks, color-changing effects, cascading light curtains, and golden willow shells reflected on the river surface, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a celestial realm.
“I was truly surprised to see a fireworks performance inspired by Journey to the West, a television series closely associated with the childhood of many Vietnamese people. Both teams were outstanding. The fireworks were spectacular, the music was wonderful, and the overall experience was amazing,” shared Nguyen Minh Quan, a visitor from Hanoi.
If Germany impressed audiences with precision, power, and contemporary presentation techniques, Macao (China) prioritized emotion and imagination. This contrast made the “Creativity” night one of the most unpredictable and highly anticipated showdowns of DIFF 2026.
Major General and composer Nguyen Duc Trinh, President of the Vietnam Musicians’ Association and member of the DIFF 2026 judging panel, commented:
“I have followed DIFF for many years and have seen the competition become increasingly creative. This year introduces many new elements. Teams that have participated before continue to surpass themselves, while newcomers bring unique perspectives and innovations. Every year, the teams become more inventive in their storytelling and artistic approaches. Each team has its own highlights, making every theme richer and more diverse.”
An Artistic Celebration of Creativity
Beyond the fireworks, the fourth competition night also featured an energetic musical extravaganza on the DIFF stage.
The evening opened with performances by Muộii, Hoàng Long, the Golden Lotus Children’s Group, along with hundreds of artists and dancers. Contemporary melodies combined with vibrant choreography painted a picture of a dynamic, creative, and constantly evolving Da Nang.
One of the highlights of the evening was the appearance of (S)TRONG Trọng Hiếu, the Vietnamese-German singer who embodies the cultural connection between the two countries. Performing his hit song “Kho Báu” (Treasure), Trọng Hiếu energized the audience with a modern arrangement, while his German-language ballad “Ich Vermisse Dich So Sehr” served as a heartfelt greeting to the German team and international visitors, telling a story of youth, dreams, love, and longing.
Following three successful competition nights, DIFF 2026 continues to reinforce its position as one of Asia’s leading fireworks festivals and a premier summer destination, worthy of its recognition by Travel + Leisure as one of the Top 9 Festivals Worth Experiencing on the Planet.
With the support of Sun Group, DIFF is not only a showcase for world-class fireworks performances but also a platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and creativity, where each competition night tells a unique story through music, technology, and light.
| The success of DIFF 2026 is also made possible by major sponsors including Vietnam Airlines and Bizman Media (Diamond Sponsors), Chicilon Media (Media Partner), as well as other trusted partners such as Pacific Airlines, Hai Tran Media & Airs Group, and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). |
Upcoming Competition Nights
June 27: Australia vs Portugal – Theme: Vision
July 11: Grand Finale
Tickets for DIFF 2026 are available online via the festival’s official website at diff.vn. The grandstand is divided into six seating categories, with ticket prices varying between qualifying nights and special nights, including the Opening Night and Grand Finale.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
