A fireworks performance by the Việt Nam team at the opening ceremony of the Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival on June 2. Việt Nam and Finland began the event with perfect shows. Photo courtesy of DIFF

ĐÀ NẴNG — Stunning fireworks performances of Việt Nam and Finland marked the exciting return of the Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival on June 2 after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice chairman of the National Assembly, Nguyễn Đức Hải and deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang were among the top officials at the opening ceremony.

The two teams decorated the Hàn River with light and music in the curtain-raiser event.

The host’s fireworks kicked off the night to a slow and traditional folklore rhythm, featuring the hidden charm of landscapes and people.

The team used songs about Đà Nẵng city to promote it as a favourite destination and the only site in Việt Nam organising a fireworks festival over the past 15 years.

Meanwhile, defending champion Finland showed their power with an attractive combination of rock and pop, including Chiquitita by legendary band ABBA during their performance.

The European team fascinated the audience on the debut night, promising an attractive firework festival over the next two months.

Defending champion Finland turns the Hàn River in colourful fireworks and music on the curtain-raiser of Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival on June 2. Photo courtesy of DIFF

The two teams sent a peaceful message in their performances in line with the festival’s slogan – Light Up the Boundless World – to all people in the world.

Canada and France will continue the festival with the theme Love without Distance next Saturday, June 10.

Australia joins Italy with Chasing Your Dreams on June 17, while Poland and the UK will perform Embracing Nature on June 24.

The two best teams will perform the final night on July 8. 

Tourists visiting Đà Nẵng – a favourite tourism hub in central Việt Nam – will enjoy sleepless nights of fireworks performances and culture from the UK, Italy, Poland, France, Australia, Canada, Finland and host Việt Nam.

Finland’s Joho Pyro Fireworks won the latest festival in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Canada’s Davis Whysall won in 2008, while China’s Liuyang Dancing took first prize in 2009. France’s Jacques Couturier Organisation won in 2010.

Italy’s Martarello won the title twice in 2017 and 2018 after another Italian team, Parente Fireworks, doubled in 2011 and 2012.

The US team Melrose Pyrotechnics took the first spot in 2013, while Australia's Howard&Sons Pyrotechnics clinched the title in 2015.

Đà Nẵng has been building a ‘Fireworks Festival City’ brand to promote it as a top destination in central Việt Nam and Asia. VNS