If the first three nights of DIFF 2026 told stories of Nature, Heritage, and Culture, the fourth competition night, themed “Creativity,” opened a stage where bold ideas were transformed into reality 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 artistic approaches, both striving to push 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. According to statistics, after the first three competition nights, accommodation establishments across the city welcomed 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, an increase of 38.9%. Average citywide hotel occupancy surpassed 70%, approximately 20% higher than the same period last year. On the third competition night alone, nearly 115,000 guests stayed overnight in the city, with occupancy rates reaching 75%, further affirming DIFF’s growing appeal among both domestic and international travelers.
Germany Paints the Sky While Macao (China) Reimagines Journey to the West Through Fireworks
Making its DIFF debut, Germany’s Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke GmbH & Co. KG presented a performance titled “Pyrographics”—true to its name, transforming Da Nang’s night sky into a vast canvas painted entirely with fireworks.
With a history spanning more than 150 years, the German team showcased its strengths in structural design, precision, and flawless synchronization between music and pyrotechnic effects. Cascading golden willows, glittering crowns, silver brush strokes, and multi-break aerial shells followed one another in succession, creating layered compositions rich in depth and visual artistry. Most notably, every effect was meticulously programmed to follow the rhythm of the soundtrack, turning the entire display into a gigantic animated graphic unfolding above the Han River.
Music played a crucial role in the performance. A powerful blend of rock, electronic music, and emotionally charged cinematic scores continuously elevated the atmosphere, delivering a modern, energetic, and highly dynamic spectacle.
Music and Sound
Meanwhile, Apple Pyrotechnics Co., Ltd of Macao (China) took a more cinematic storytelling approach with its presentation, “Celestial Journey to the West.”
Inspired by the classic Chinese epic Journey to the West, Team Macau (China) guided audiences on a mythical adventure through a captivating fusion of symphonic music, electronic soundscapes, and spectacular water-based fireworks effects — a signature style that has earned the team international acclaim.
Familiar melodies brought to life some of the story’s most iconic scenes, while fan-shaped fireworks, color-changing effects, cascading light displays, and shimmering golden willow bursts reflected across the water, creating an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a celestial realm.
“I was truly surprised to see a fireworks performance inspired by Journey to the West, a film that is deeply connected to the childhood memories of many Vietnamese people. Both teams delivered outstanding performances, the fireworks were breathtaking, and the music was fantastic. It was an incredible experience,” shared Nguyen Minh Quan, a visitor from Hanoi.
While Team Germany impressed audiences with precision, power, and a modern performance style, Team Macau (China) prioritized emotion and imagination. This striking contrast made the “Creativity” night one of the most unpredictable and highly anticipated showdowns of DIFF 2026.
Major General and musician Nguyen Duc Trinh, President of the Vietnam Musicians’ Association and a member of the DIFF 2026 judging panel, commented: “I have followed DIFF for many years and have witnessed its growing creativity. This year introduces many exciting new elements. Teams that have competed before continue to surpass themselves, while first-time participants bring fresh and distinctive ideas to the competition. Year after year, the teams become more innovative in their originality, uniqueness, and storytelling. Each team has its own highlights, making every theme rich, diverse, and compelling.”
A Grand Artistic Celebration of Creativity
The fourth competition night was more than a fireworks contest—it was also a vibrant musical celebration on the DIFF stage.
The evening opened with performances by Muộii, Hoang Long, the Golden Lotus Children’s Group, along with hundreds of artists and dancers. Contemporary melodies and energetic choreography painted a picture of Da Nang as a dynamic, innovative city constantly moving forward.
One of the evening’s highlights was the appearance of (S)TRONG Trong Hieu, the Vietnamese-German singer who embodies the cultural connection between the two nations. Performing his hit song “Kho Bau” (Treasure) with a modern arrangement, Trong Hieu energized the audience with youthful enthusiasm. He also delivered the German ballad “Ich Vermisse Dich So Sehr,” offering a heartfelt greeting to the German team and international guests while sharing a story of dreams, love, and longing.
Following three successful competition nights, DIFF 2026 continues to reinforce its position as one of the region’s leading fireworks festivals and a premier summer destination in Asia, living up to its recognition as one of the Top 9 Must-Experience Festivals in the World by Travel + Leisure.
With the support of Sun Group, DIFF has evolved beyond a world-class fireworks competition into a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and creative innovation—where each competition night tells a unique story through music, technology, and light.
Contributing to the success of DIFF 2026 are major sponsors including Vietnam Airlines and Bizman Media (Diamond Sponsors), Chicilon Media (Media Partner), as well as other esteemed partners such as Pacific Airlines, Hai Tran Media & Airs Group, and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).
References: Báo Đầu Tư
