Vietnam, France tell heritage stories through fireworks over Han River in Da Nang

Following the excitement of the opening night on May 30, the DIFF grandstands and riverside viewing areas remained packed with residents and tourists.

Many arrived early to watch what was widely regarded as one of the most artistically compelling matchups of this year's festival.

Reigning runner-up Z121 Vina Pyrotech of Vietnam and France's Lux Factory POK 2.0 used fireworks displays to tell distinctive stories of culture and history.

Opening the competition, Lux Factory POK 2.0 presented a performance titled Heritage – Da Nang Shines.

With a cinematic style, the French team recreated a journey of cultural exchange and highlighted Da Nang's beauty and development on its path toward international integration.

Often described as 'poets of light,' Lux Factory is known for combining fireworks with music, imagery, and contemporary visual storytelling.

Multicolored titanium-tail fireworks, cascading light effects, and layered fireworks sequences illuminated the sky like layers of cultural heritage.

The climax came when numerous golden bursts exploded simultaneously above the Han River, drawing continuous applause and admiration from the audience.

Meanwhile, Z121 Vina Pyrotech reaffirmed its reputation as the runner-up of DIFF 2025 with a performance deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity.

Inspired by national pride, modern defense technology, and aspirations for international reach, the Vietnamese team presented a show titled Preserving Identity – Creating the Future.

The performance also served as a strong statement of the stature of one of Vietnam's leading defense enterprises.

A special highlight was the image of the palm tree, a symbol of Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam, which was recreated using modern fireworks technology.

Between the colorful fireworks displays, familiar melodies guided spectators through a range of emotions.

As the song Noi Vong Tay Lon (The Great Circle of Vietnam) echoed across the venue, the Da Nang sky burst into light with thousands of fireworks blooming in multiple layers.

Many spectators joined in singing, creating an atmosphere of pride and togetherness.

After nearly 60 years of development, Z121 is proud to be the only enterprise in Vietnam entrusted with producing and supplying fireworks and pyrotechnic products for festivals, national events, and export to demanding markets including Japan, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

Beyond the fireworks displays, the 'Heritage' night also featured a special arts program with performances by singers Dong Hung, Thuy Dung, Hong Minh, Kieu Oanh, Nhat Mai, and Ny Ny Nguyen.

According to organizers, the success of the opening night has further boosted the appeal of DIFF 2026, helping establish Da Nang as one of Vietnam's most vibrant summer destinations.

The next competition night, themed 'Culture,' will feature teams from Japan and Italy, promising more spectacular displays over the Han River on June 13.