International Fireworks Festival: 'Nordic Lights' show conquers Han River

On the night of May 31, more than 10,000 seats in the stands and tens of thousands of tourists on both banks of the Han River enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display on the opening night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025, with the fusion of Asian and European cultures in the sky of Da Nang.

As usual, the host team Da Nang represented Vietnam 1 in the opening match, with the theme "Cultural Heritage" on a musical background that mixed Vietnamese songs with traditional melodies and international songs with the spirit of integration.

For more than 20 minutes, more than 5,000 fireworks combined with music to create a magnificent symphony of light, sending greetings to residents and visitors on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the city's liberation.

Opening with fireworks effects on the background of vibrant international music Bonjour Vietnam, Titanium, Top of the rock, "painting" a city of integration and constant development.

Mr. Nghia Hoang, Captain of the Da Nang International Fireworks Team, shared: "With musical melodies and brilliant fireworks effects, we introduce to international friends a culture rich in national identity, symbolizing the city's spirit of innovation and integration, affirming the position of Da Nang, a city of festivals, of peace, creativity and connection on the international tourism map".

Please read along to see some beautiful pictures capturing the performance of Vietnam team 1.

Da Nang team representing Vietnam 1 opens DIFF 2025

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

The performance "Cultural Heritage" by the host team Da Nang (Vietnam team 1) opened with a vibrant rock music rhythm, quickly bringing the audience by the Han River into the festival atmosphere.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Rapid fire bursts

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

From sparkling rain effects, soft color-changing fireworks to waterfall fireworks, fireworks exploding in unison like surging waves "sweeping" the audience into a flow of emotions from deep to explosive.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Each fireworks chapter is a slice of depth, from traditional identity to the aspiration to reach out to the world, from national pride to a dynamic spirit of innovation.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

However, the rain right before the show caused high humidity and a lot of smoke, making the fireworks display of Vietnam 1 team not fully displayed.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Creating fireworks into balanced clusters is the home team's strength.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

After 17 years of competition, the home team showed determination to improve on their 3rd place in previous fireworks competitions.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Da Nang team once again demonstrated the role of "storytelling with light" with 17 years of experience from the first fireworks festival.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Nordic warrior asserts his position as defending champion

Different from the home team's bright, warm and majestic tropical colors, the Finnish team's "Nordic Lights" performance brought a completely different atmosphere, as intense as the Nordic warrior spirit.

Opening with fiery pop rock melodies like Diamond Eyes, Liar, Heroes Are Calling, the audience is immediately drawn into the intense emotions of the story of a nation surviving in the harsh cold of nature.

With the music of Stormskerry Maja, the reigning champion takes viewers back to the ancient life of Finnish fishermen, living on offshore islands. A harsh but meaningful life when immersed in nature, truly reflecting the philosophy of symbiosis between humans and the natural environment in Nordic culture.

In particular, in one show, the audience was surprised when the Finnish team used the song "Bong phu hoa - Vu tru co bay" as the background music, expressing cultural integration and exchange.

The applause from the audience was a worthy result for the reigning champion. The team combined fast and slow tempo songs, creating suitable breaks to clear the smoke, allowing the audience to fully enjoy the fireworks.

After the opening night, DIFF continues to take place every Saturday night (1 week off before the final night), including: June 7 night with the theme "Creative Arts" (team Z121 representing Vietnam 2 - Poland); June 14 night with the theme "Connecting Journey" (Canada - China); June 21 night with the theme "Sustainable Development" (Portugal - UK); June 28 night with the theme "Technology leads the way" (Korea - Italy) and the final night on July 12 with the theme "Welcoming the new era".

Below are some pictures of the Finnish team's performance.

Low-range artillery is the strength of the Finnish team.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Fireworks from the west bank of the Han River

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

The first fireworks from the Finnish team quickly took over the sky.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

With powerful rock music, the Finnish team launched a series of fireworks to show off a spectacular performance.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Panoramic view of Han River during fireworks night

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Finland's harmonious fireworks color coordination

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Fireworks stretch from sky to water

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

Vibrant light dances

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

A beautiful moment

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

The final chapter of the performance uses ballads like Norse myths, bringing a ghostly atmosphere on the Han River.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU

By distributing the background music from lively to deep, with suitable slow intervals to dissipate the smoke, the Finnish team helped the audience fully enjoy the performance.

PHOTO: NGUYEN TU