Rivers to tell stories at Da Nang Fireworks Festival

A fireworks performance reflects the beauty of the Han River in Da Nang. The central city will host its International Fireworks Festival from June 1 to July 6.

This year’s event, titled ‘Stories by the Rivers’, will see teams describing the beauty and culture of typical rivers in their countries during the month-long festival.

Vietnam and Russia will perform during the curtain-raiser on June 1, while Brazil and Belgium will take the stage on June 8.

Three-time champions Italy and Finland will play the third night on June 15, while England and China will perform on June 22.

The top two teams will be selected for the final performance on July 6.

Vice chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, Le Trung Chinh, said Da Nang was the only place in Vietnam to have hosted a fireworks festival since 2008.

He said the festival had become a magnet for the best fireworks producers from around the world each year.

The Han River at night.-VNS Photos Le Lam

Director of the city’s Culture and Sports Department, Huynh Van Hung, said Da Nang had successful built a reputation as a ‘fireworks festival city’, promoting it as the ‘must see’ destination in central Vietnam.

Director of the festival, Do Thanh Hai, said the festival would feature five themes – The Root, The Buds of Life, Shades of Colours and Setting Sail – in which each team could show off their culture and history through fireworks.

“A series of cultural activities including a street carnival, flashmobs and arts performance will be held every Sunday throughout the month to promote the main event,” he said.

He added tourists could also enjoy the beaches and festive summer atmosphere.

Last year, Italy’s Martarello clinched the title for the third time after winning in 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, the US team Melrose Pyrotechnics took first spot. Canada’s Davis Whysall took the top prize in 2008, while China’s Liuyang Dancing won in 2009. France’s Jacques Couturier Organisation won in 2010.

According to the organisers, the fireworks festival drew more than 1.5 million tourists last year.

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival was voted one of the 10 most impressive cultural events of 2018 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.