On the evening of June 8, on the banks of the Han River in the central city of Da Nang, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2024 commenced with an elaborate opening ceremony.

The program was meticulously staged, offering a unique artistic experience to both locals and tourists. Hundreds of dancers reenacted the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, where 50 children followed their father to the mountains and 50 followed their mother to the sea, evoking the nation's sacred origins. The majestic melodies in the song "Phoenix Wings" honored the quintessence of Vietnamese national culture.

Jetski and acrobatic flyboard performances, combined with striking sound and light effects on the banks of the Han River, captivated the audience, making it one of the most impressive acts of the opening night.

As the night unfolded, the Han River became even more vibrant with thousands of magical fireworks. The reigning champion, ArtEventia from France, competed against the host team from Da Nang, Vietnam.

The Da Nang team delivered a spectacular performance titled "Sky Dance," featuring fireworks shaped like birds spreading their wings, symbolizing the growth and prosperity of the coastal city and the hospitality of its people. Their performance, structured in three chapters—Thien Dang (Heavenly Lantern), Nhan Hoa (Human Harmony), and Vuong Quoc (Kingdom)—elicited strong emotional reactions from the audience, despite some smoky moments when the wind was minimal.

On the other hand, the French team, inspired by the image of a dragon, enchanted the sky over the Han River with captivating "dances" that conveyed messages of strength, power, and human connection. As the reigning champion, ArtEventia used layered techniques and continuously rotating fireworks to create a variety of effects. The team's fireworks, synchronized with captivating music, created waves of light that resembled mighty dragons.

Tourists and spectators were delighted with the French team's performance, applauding continuously after each display. "This year's opening competition was truly spectacular. I was particularly impressed by the French team's performance," shared Ms. Lisa, a Russian tourist.

The Han River sparkled with colors on the opening night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. The festival's organizers invested in the stage to provide the best views, creating a unique experience compared to smaller screens or outside viewing areas. As a result, all 10,000 seats were filled with spectators early on. 

Ho Giap