A breathtaking showdown between two fireworks powerhouses
"A true world-class fireworks final" – that was the sentiment shared by many spectators after more than 40 minutes of spectacular performances from China and Portugal.
Team China's fireworks display, inspired by Da Nang's iconic bridges, impressed audiences during the grand finale
Making its third consecutive appearance in the DIFF final, Jiangxi Yangfeng Art Display Co., Ltd. of China delivered another memorable performance. Set to a soundtrack of ten popular songs, including three Vietnamese hits, the display took audiences on a journey through a youthful and vibrant Da Nang using light and music as its storytelling language. Constantly changing fireworks sequences, layered firing techniques and striking bridge-inspired effects – a tribute to Da Nang's most iconic symbol – came together to bring this year's theme, "Da Nang – United Horizons," vividly to life.
Facing them was Macedos Pirotecnia of Portugal, one of Europe's leading pyrotechnics companies. Continuing the story it began in the qualifying round, the Portuguese team painted a portrait of Da Nang where nature, culture and innovation come together. Its signature storytelling style unfolded seamlessly through a series of emotional chapters, with music and fireworks perfectly synchronised from the opening moments to a breathtaking finale. Cascading waterfalls of light, comets, spherical shells, Roman candles, fountains and a succession of signature pyrotechnic effects combined to create an unforgettable visual spectacle.
Team Portugal's storytelling through music and fireworks captivated both the judges and the audience
With both teams delivering performances worthy of the title, many spectators, and even members of the judging panel, admitted they wished there could have been two champions this year. After careful deliberation, however, the Organising Committee named Portugal the DIFF 2026 Champion, awarding the team the top prize of US$20,000. China finished as runner-up, receiving US$10,000.
The judging criteria covered originality and creativity, how well each performance reflected the competition theme, the diversity and richness of fireworks effects and colours, synchronisation between music and fireworks, the finale and overall impact, as well as the judges' emotional response and overall assessment.
The Most Innovative Team Award went to Italy for its bold and distinctive qualifying-round performance, while Japan received the Most Promising Team Award for its technical precision and professionalism. Da Nang – Viet Nam won the People’s Choice Award after receiving overwhelming support from spectators. Each special award carried a prize of US$5,000.
An emotional performance that secured the DIFF 2026 championship title for team Portugal
Overjoyed after the victory, Fernando Manuel Machado Da Silva Macedo, team leader of the Portuguese team and DIFF 2026 champion, said: "Taking part in DIFF this year and winning the championship is a tremendous honour for both me and my team. We are incredibly happy and proud. What made our performance different was the way audiences connected with the music. Music and fireworks worked together to connect with people's emotions, allowing them to become part of the story unfolding in the sky. I believe that emotional connection is what truly touched the audience."
"It was an incredible feast for the senses. This is my first time attending the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, and I will remember these emotions for the rest of my life. I've never seen fireworks as beautiful as these anywhere else in the world," said Aundrey Thompson, a British visitor, after watching the DIFF 2026 finale.
No less spectacular than the two world-class fireworks performances was the artistic programme staged beneath the largest dome stage ever built in the history of DIFF, featuring some of Viet Nam's leading artists. The grand finale also marked the public debut of two brand-new musical works.
Divo Tung Duong delivered electrifying performances on the DIFF stage
The evening opened with the grand performance of Mother Dragon, Fairy Mother, a new composition by Ho Hoai Anh performed by singer Thu Hang. The song took audiences back to the nation's origins, celebrating the legendary descendants of the Dragon and the Fairy while evoking pride in Viet Nam's enduring spirit of unity and cultural identity. The programme also introduced Fly Towards the Sun, another new composition by Do Hoang Long, performed by divo Tung Duong.
The return of My Tam, Da Nang's hometown star, was one of the most anticipated moments of the night. Performing her self-composed song See The Light, the singer delivered a message of faith, hope and the courage to embrace new horizons. Divo Tung Duong once again showcased his remarkable vocal power with two performances, including Golden, a memorable duet with Bui Lan Huong, taking audiences through a wide range of emotions.
Da Nang-born superstar My Tam lit up the DIFF grand finale stage
Adding a youthful energy to the evening, Isaac performed a medley of Bai Ca Tom Ca and Bong Bong Bang Bang, using music to transport audiences to the simple, peaceful fishing villages that line Viet Nam's sun-drenched central coast. Meanwhile, Bui Lan Huong delivered a stunning rendition of the classic Feeling Good, turning the DIFF 2026 finale into an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking sights and music.
DIFF 2026: From the world's top 9 must-experience festivals to a powerful catalyst for Da Nang tourism
More than the finale of an international fireworks competition, DIFF 2026 marked the conclusion of one of the festival's most successful seasons to date.
Over more than two months, hundreds of thousands of visitors flocked to Da Nang to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Every competition night saw packed grandstands and sold-out tickets well in advance, while the Han River's waterfront roads, bridges and cruise boats were filled with spectators enjoying the fireworks. Ahead of the finale, the city welcomed more than 557,000 overnight visitors during the five qualifying nights (30 May, 6 June, 13 June, 20 June and 27 June), up 34% year-on-year. Each fireworks night attracted more than 100,000 overnight visitors, with the fifth competition night on 27 June recording approximately 117,400 overnight visitors — the highest figure of the season.
Thousands of spectators filled the grandstands for the DIFF 2026 grand finale
The figures are an encouraging sign for Da Nang's tourism industry. Rather than creating a short-lived tourism boom over a single weekend, DIFF has helped sustain a steady flow of visitors for weeks, enabling hotels, restaurants, travel companies, transport services and attractions to optimise operations, maximise capacity and boost tourism revenue.
This year also marked another milestone as Travel + Leisure named DIFF among the world's Top 9 must-visit festivals, making it the only representative from Viet Nam on the prestigious list. The recognition reflects the remarkable growth of a festival that the City of Da Nang and Sun Group have continued to invest in since 2017, with annual investments worth hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong.
Beyond illuminating the skies above the Han River, DIFF has become a driving force behind Da Nang's night-time economy, stimulating tourism demand and bringing the city closer to its ambition of becoming Asia's leading festival and events destination.
Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee, speaks at the DIFF 2026 grand finale
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee and Head of the DIFF 2026 Organising Committee, said: "Over the years, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival has continued to strengthen its appeal, contributing to Da Nang's position as Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination. At the same time, DIFF has been recognised by the international community as one of the world's nine must-experience festivals. This is a source of pride not only for Da Nang, but also for Viet Nam in promoting the country's image to the world."
As DIFF 2026 comes to an end, the fireworks may have faded from the skies above the Han River, but Da Nang's journey towards becoming a city of international festivals continues. Following this vibrant summer, the city is set to welcome visitors with a year-round calendar of events, festivals and new tourism experiences, reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia's most dynamic and ever-evolving destinations.
