DIFF 2026 enters its second competition night with a poetic showdown between Vietnam’s Z121 and France

Under the theme “Heritage,” the second competition night of Da Nang Internatonal Fireworks Festival – DIFF 2026, sponsored by Sun Group and jointly organized with the Da Nang People’s Committee, delivered an emotional journey filled with excitement, surprises, and unforgettable impressions.

Da Nang’s legacy illuminated through fireworks 

Featuring a showdown between Vietnam’s reigning runner-up Z121 Vina Pyrotech and accomplished newcomer Lux Factory POK 2.0 from France, the second competition night presented two distinct artistic approaches united by the same spirit of honoring heritage values.

The French team told the story of heritage through its performance themed “Heritage – Da Nang Shines,” using a cinematic and multilayered fireworks language to recreate the cultural layers shaped by different historical eras and highlight Da Nang’s beauty on its journey of international integration. Despite being newcomers, the French team continuously surprised audiences, transforming Da Nang’s sky into a mesmerizing stage of light.

Multicolored titanium-tail fireworks, soft falling-leaf effects, and shimmering waterfall-like cascades stretching across the sky created overlapping visual layers reminiscent of cultural sediment. The climax came when golden fireworks burst simultaneously, illuminating the entire Han River as a tribute to the city’s heritage and vibrant spirit.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Z121 Vina Pyrotech reaffirmed its status as the runner-up of DIFF 2025, delivering fireworks performances deeply rooted in Vietnamese heritage values, familiar traditions, and rich cultural identity.

A special highlight of Z121 Vietnam’s performance was its recreation of the palm tree, the symbol of Phu Tho, the ancestral land of Vietnam, using modern fireworks technology. The emotional peak arrived when the Da Nang sky burst into brilliant colors as the melody of “Noi vong tay lon” echoed through the venue, accompanied by audiences singing along and applauding enthusiastically.

“Absolutely world-class! Z121 Vietnam did not simply perform a fireworks show; they ignited national pride through the art of light. I was incredibly proud watching Z121’s performance last year, and that is why my family and I returned to DIFF this year. It has truly been worth it,” shared Pham Van Lam from Hai Phong.

An artistic extravaganza celebrating heritage values

Elevating the artistic experience, the second competition night of DIFF 2026 also treated audiences to a spectacular riverside concert along the Han River, featuring artists such as Dong Hung, Thuy Dung, Hong Minh, Kieu Oanh, Nhat Mai, and Ny Ny Nguyen. If the fireworks were the moments that allowed “heritage” to shine, then the stage performances served as emotional threads connecting Da Nang’s tangible and intangible heritage values, taking audiences on a journey to discover cultural beauty through music, dance, and performing arts.

The opening act, “Than Nam Hai,” performed by singer Dong Hung and the dance troupe, provided a powerful start to the evening. The sea-inspired stage vividly recreated the spiritual life of coastal communities in Central Vietnam, where stories of the sea have long been an integral part of local cultural identity.

This was followed by timeless songs such as “Hymne à l'amour,” which transported audiences into the romantic beauty of French culture, while “Chieu Hoi An,” “Apsara Dancer by the Han River,” and “Flying Across the Heritage Land” expanded the journey through the distinctive cultural values of Da Nang and Central Vietnam.

Meritorious Artist Quang Hao, Director of Trung Vuong Theatre and Artistic Director of DIFF 2026, shared: “Through the artistic stage themed Heritage at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, we hope to introduce to international friends a miniature Vietnam and a Central Vietnamese region blessed with an extraordinary wealth of heritage.”

Following the success of the opening night, the appeal of DIFF continues to spread strongly. Recognized by Travel Leisure as one of the Top 9 must-visit festivals on the planet, this year’s festival is turning Da Nang into one of Asia’s summer hotspots.

This year, DIFF is introducing personalized “digital gifts” powered by artificial intelligence (AI) through the Sun Paradise Land app. With just a few simple steps, visitors can transform their fireworks memories into vintage-style postage stamps or create electronic postcards to send to loved ones. These new experiences not only extend the emotions of the festival beyond the show itself but also allow every audience member to take home a unique piece of their own DIFF 2026 memories.