If you thought a summer downpour could dim Da Nang’s sparkle, think again. On June 28, the last qualifying night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2025) turned the Han River into a stage of light and sound, as teams from Korea and Italy battled it out under the theme “Technology Leads.” More than 10,000 spectators poured into the riverside stands, and the energy was sky-high from the first spark to the final cascade.
A packed riverfront, a turbocharged theme
From early evening, streams of locals, travelers, and even a few global sports stars packed the stands. Despite bursts of rain, the night didn’t skip a beat. DIFF’s 2025 theme—“Technology Leads”—wasn’t just a slogan; it played out in the precision timing, layered effects, and music-driven storytelling that defined both performances.
Korea’s “Dragon in Flight”: a modern city’s heartbeat in light
Newcomer Faseecom (Korea) made a statement right out of the gate with a cinematic narrative inspired by the Dragon symbol and Da Nang’s dynamic urban vibe. Their show, “Dragon in Flight,” blended poetic staging with bravura technique—you could feel the craft with every transition.
Korea opens with a lyrical overture over the Han River
A soft open, then the beat drops
They eased the crowd in with a gentle fanfare—smooth color washes, clean lifts, and seamless pacing. Then came the twist: a high-energy rap section set to G‑Dragon’s Home Sweet Home. Golden and cobalt bursts punched the sky in rapid-fire sequences, syncing tight with the track and sending the stands into a roar.
Layered effects and color storytelling from Faseecom
Finale with a message
The closer, set to Undefeated, felt like a love letter to Da Nang’s can-do spirit. Dense volleys and sweeping crowns sketched a dragon in motion, wrapping the night in a confident, future-forward finish.
A sky full of momentum—Korea’s showstopper
“It felt like being at a concert,” shared Trang, a visitor from Hanoi. “The music on the stands was spot on, and the fireworks danced with it. I’m definitely coming back for future DIFFs.”
A finale that felt like a collective heartbeat
Italy’s “Symphony of Light – Opening the Future”: rock, opera, and a rain of stars
Martarello Group S.R.L (Italy), a DIFF veteran, countered with a big-screen style experience—think rock rhythms, cinematic builds, velvet-smooth jazz, and a knockout operatic ending. “Symphony of Light – Opening the Future” was less a show and more a guided tour through tempo and texture.
Italy launches with high-altitude brilliance
From pulse to panorama
Early sequences matched rock and cinematic tracks like Blood Sport and Aphelion with crisp, towering bursts—perfectly phrased to the beat. It looked and felt like an action set piece built for the sky.
Precision timing, panoramic effects—classic Martarello
A local wink, a global flourish
A mid-show pivot into upbeat jazz and familiar Vietnamese tunes (like “Chuyện cũ bỏ qua” and “Bống bống bang bang”) brought smiles and sing-alongs, while color fans, water-height effects, and multi-layer barrages kept the visuals fresh.
Jazz, color cascades, and a festival mood
The operatic curtain call
As “Time to Say Goodbye” soared, hundreds of synchronized tails erupted into a final “rain of light,” filling the riverfront with applause and camera flashes. It was grand, polished, and unmistakably Martarello.
A roof-lifting close to a cinematic set
Hoang Ha, a Da Nang local who never misses DIFF, summed it up: “Italy never disappoints. But this year is stacked—Vietnam’s Z121, plus strong teams from Portugal, China, Finland, Poland… I’ve already got my finale tickets. Can’t wait.”
Beyond the sky: a stage that matched the fireworks
Along the riverbank, the night doubled as a mini concert. Powerhouse vocalist Duong Hoang Yen, tenor Le Anh Dung, dancesport star Hoang My An, and a squad of top-tier dancers kept the energy rolling between displays. It was a full-on arts-and-tech banquet.
Onshore performances powered the momentum
A festival that sings, dances, and dazzles
What’s next: the toughest call of the season
With qualifiers now closed, the jury faces a tricky decision. Judge-composer Nguyen Duc Trinh noted that overall quality is high across the board, highlighting a big leap from Vietnam’s Z121 Vina Pyrotech while confirming the steady form of seasoned teams like Italy, China, Finland, and Poland. The two finalists are slated for announcement on the afternoon of June 29.
- Grand Finale: 8:10 PM, July 12
- Live broadcast: VTV1 (Vietnam Television)
For final line-ups, ticket updates, or schedule changes, check DIFF’s official channels or the broadcaster’s schedule.
Why it matters: DIFF isn’t just fireworks—it’s craft, choreography, and cultural storytelling. And if the qualifiers are anything to go by, the finale is going to be massive.