The fireworks festival in Đà Nẵng, kicked off with a bang! All eyes were on the skies as colourful explosions rained a sea of red green and yellow stars from the clouds.
Việt Nam and Poland had specular performances in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival. — Photo courtesy DIFF
The hosts took on Poland on the opening night, with the European pyrotechnical experts putting on a show to rock music.
But the home team was the main attraction, setting fireworks off themed towards the seven bridges that span over the Hàn River.
Deputy Prime Minister, Trương Hòa Bình was at the event on Monday.
The visiting team’s 20 minute performance included an image of the Ngũ Hành Sơn (Marble Mountain) – a symbol and landscape of Đà Nẵng, much to the delight of the locals in the crowd.
The fireworks festival, which started in 2008, has been built as a famous brand of the city and attracts tourists from all over the world.
The competition was promoted as an international festival last year with funding from businesses and donors.
Eight teams take part, France, the US, Italy, Hong Kong (China), Sweden, Portugal, Poland and Việt Nam.
The city hoped that Đà Nẵng would become a rendezvous for international friends and a ‘must see’ destination.
Fireworks launched from the Hàn River Port in Đà Nẵng city during the first night of Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival. — Photo courtesy DIFF
As scheduled, France and the US will be the second performers on May 26.
Defending champions Italy and Hong Kong will perform on June 2, while Sweden and Portugal will light up the night of June 9.
The two best teams will be selected for the final on June 30, where the winner will be chosen.
This year’s theme is ‘the Legend of Bridges’, with each team showing off the beauty of bridges from their home countries.
Last year, Italy’s Martarello team won the title after a spectacular performance on the Hàn River.
It was the third time an Italian team won the contest, with the Parente team 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 organiers, the event attracted more than 1.3 million tourists visiting the city during the fireworks festival between April and June last year. — VNS
