On the evening of June 21, 2025, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2025) dazzled over 10,000 spectators gathered at the grandstand along the Han River, with hundreds of thousands more watching across the city. The fourth night of the festival, themed "Sustainable Development," showcased breathtaking performances by two European powerhouses: Portugal’s Macedos Pirotecnia and the United Kingdom’s Pyrotex Fireworx. The event was marked not only by its spectacular pyrotechnics but also by the profound messages woven into each display, merging cutting-edge firework technology with heartfelt humanistic themes.
Portugal’s Macedos Pirotecnia, a team boasting nearly a century of experience and a formidable reputation across Europe, ignited the night sky with an electrifying rock concert set to the pulsating rhythms of “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” the iconic hit by the German rock band Scorpions. The opening salvo of fireworks exploded in waves of red and green — the colors of Portugal’s flag — symbolizing national pride and cultural identity. The crowd was swept up in a tempest of sound and light, as bursts of fireworks echoed the relentless energy of the rock anthem, creating a sensory storm that felt both primal and exhilarating.
Yet, just as the audience settled into the high-octane atmosphere, the Portuguese team shifted gears, introducing a tender and deeply moving moment. The gentle melody of the Vietnamese song “Thương quá Việt Nam” floated through the air, accompanied by delicate light effects resembling soaring birds and radiant “sunlight” fireworks that bathed the sky in warm hues. This poignant interlude carried a powerful message — a love letter to nature and a hopeful vision for a greener, more sustainable future. It was a subtle but profound reminder that amid the spectacle, the earth’s preservation remains paramount.
The latter half of Portugal’s performance evolved into a sweeping emotional symphony, featuring pieces like “Lusitana Paixão,” “Rio Favo de Mel,” and even a haunting excerpt from Mozart’s “Lacrimosa.” These compositions, layered with signature pyrotechnic effects such as shooting stars, cascading light waterfalls, and volcanic eruptions of fire, painted a vivid tableau across the night sky. The fireworks choreographed with the music’s highs and lows, sometimes fierce and tempestuous, at other times soft and reflective, culminating in a grand crescendo that left spectators breathless. It was a masterful fusion of artistry and technology, delivering a resonant call to cherish and protect our planet.
Following Portugal’s fiery spectacle, the United Kingdom’s Pyrotex Fireworx team took center stage with a performance aptly titled “Waves of Emotion.” Renowned among DIFF audiences for their innovative shows, Pyrotex Fireworx returned with approximately 8,000 specially designed fireworks, crafting a cinematic and poetic narrative that guided viewers through a spectrum of moods and styles.
The UK’s display began with a tranquil, almost meditative ambiance evoking the depths of the ocean — a love song written in the heart of the sea. Suddenly, the pace accelerated dramatically, propelled by thrilling cinematic scores from the legendary James Bond 007 film series. This unexpected shift plunged the audience into a world of suspense and action, with fireworks bursting in sharp, dynamic patterns that mirrored the intensity of a spy thriller.
Then, in a delightful nod to the host country, the atmosphere lightened with familiar Vietnamese pop songs such as “Người hãy quên em đi” by Mỹ Tâm and “Nơi này có anh” by Sơn Tùng M-TP. These cheerful and heartfelt tunes, paired with colorful and lively fireworks, sparked joyous reactions from the crowd, bridging cultural divides and showcasing a warm connection between the UK performers and their Vietnamese audience.
As the night drew toward its conclusion, Pyrotex Fireworx delivered a finale that was nothing short of magical. The sky was filled with timeless classics including “Canto Della Terra,” “Live and Let Die,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Future World Music.” This closing symphony of light and sound wove together romance, action, and cinematic grandeur, leaving the audience mesmerized and emotionally uplifted.
The fourth night of DIFF 2025 was also graced by the presence of Vice Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình, underscoring the event’s importance as both a cultural celebration and a platform for promoting sustainable development. The festival’s theme resonated powerfully through every burst of light and note of music, reminding all who watched that art and technology can unite to inspire reflection and action on global challenges.
In a city known for its vibrant energy and stunning natural beauty, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival continues to elevate its status as a world-class event. The performances by Portugal and the UK not only captivated audiences with their dazzling displays but also reinforced the universal language of music and light, transcending borders and cultures. As the Han River sparkled under the night sky, it carried a message of hope, unity, and responsibility — a call to embrace sustainable development for the sake of future generations.
From the fiery rock anthems of Portugal to the poetic cinematic waves from the UK, DIFF 2025’s fourth night was a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. It was a night where history, culture, and innovation converged in spectacular fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed it.
