DIFF 2026 set to mark breakthrough in stage scale, performance technology

The DIFF 2026 stage has been designed around the concept of convergence, inspired by the image of converging horizons where cultures, time, and emotions meet. With a width of up to 100 metres and a total area of nearly 1,200sq.m, the stage is considered the largest in the history of DIFF.

Tthe DIFF 2026 stage has been designed around the concept of convergence, inspired by the image of converging horizons where cultures, time, and emotions meet (Source: DIFF)
Tthe DIFF 2026 stage has been designed around the concept of convergence, inspired by the image of converging horizons where cultures, time, and emotions meet (Source: DIFF)

Da Nang (VNA) – The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, themed “Da Nang – United Horizons,” is expected to deliver a breakthrough in stage scale and performance technology along the Han River.

According to organisers, the DIFF 2026 stage has been designed around the concept of convergence, inspired by the image of converging horizons where cultures, time, and emotions meet. With a width of up to 100 metres and a total area of nearly 1,200sq.m, the stage is considered the largest in the history of DIFF.

One of the most notable highlights this year, for the first time, is the large-scale mechanical lifting arch system. The central arch, spanning more than 40 metres in width and over 10 metres in height, can move in less than 70 seconds. In addition, five independent yet synchronised mechanical arch systems will create continuous real-time transition effects throughout performances.

DIFF 2026 will also feature a range of advanced performance technologies, including high-powered lasers, 3D LED matrix systems, Retro Amber lighting and multi-layer transparent LED displays. Organisers said the entire stage has been designed to operate like a “living entity,” constantly transforming in response to each performance to create a multi-dimensional visual experience for audiences.

The festival is also expected to bring together some of the world’s leading fireworks teams. The opening night on May 30, themed “Nature,” will feature a competition between host team Da Nang and the reigning champion from China. Subsequent competition nights will revolve around the themes “Heritage,” “Culture,” “Creative”, and “Vision,” with participating teams from France, Japan, Italy, Germany, Macau (China), Australia, Portugal and Vietnam. The final night is scheduled for July 11.

Beyond being an international fireworks competition, DIFF 2026 is also being developed as a large-scale outdoor music festival. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Vietnamese artists Ho Ngoc Ha, Hoang Hai, Ha Nhi and Nguyen Tran Trung Quan, alongside nearly 70 professional dancers and more than 30 international performers.

Organisers added that DIFF 2026 will continue to integrate Sky AR technology, enabling audiences to interact with the fireworks displays through personal devices. At the same time, laser LED projection systems installed on the Han River surface and buildings along both riverbanks will transform the entire festival area into a massive multi-dimensional performance stage.

This year marks the first time DIFF has been named by Travel + Leisure Asia as one of the world’s nine must-experience summer festivals./.





VNA

See more

A stall offering discounted combo meals of bread and drinks at the fourth Banh mi Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on April 23 (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City ranks among world’s top culinary destinations

According to Time Out, the appeal of Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine lies in its creativity, much of which was shaped during challenging periods in history. Iconic dishes such as banh mi (sandwiches) and com tam (broken rice) are highlighted as examples of this resourcefulness.

The international short documentary film festival “Viet Culture in Motion” officially opens at the Saint-André des Arts cinema in Paris on June 11 (Photo: organising board)

Vietnamese youth tell cultural stories on European screen

The international short documentary film festival “Viet Culture in Motion” highlights the efforts of young Vietnamese and overseas Vietnamese filmmakers to introduce Vietnam’s culture and people to international audiences through documentary storytelling. It has brought together professional filmmakers, screenwriters and cultural and film activists from Vietnam and abroad.

Delegates to the 107th meeting of the AIMF Executive Bureau 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Hue spreads heritage city values within Francophone community

Its participation marked an important step for the central city of Hue to expand its international partnerships, deepen integration with municipalities worldwide, and cement its role and standing as a dynamic and responsible heritage city within the Francophone network.

With its rich history, aesthetic grace, and spiritual meaning, the lotus stands as a central symbol in defining Hue’s cultural identity. (Photo: tapchidongnama.vn)

Lotus Festival lights up Hue’s summer

Scheduled for June 19-21 at Bong Lai Islet on Tinh Tam Lotus Lake in Phu Xuan ward, one of Hue’s most renowned scenic landmarks and a symbol of royal garden art, the festival draws inspiration from the lotus’s enduring beauty in court culture. The event aims to honour local heritage while offering visitors a distinctive summer tourism experience.

The “Vietnam Pavilion” at Aldea Global 2026 (Photo: VNA)

World Cup 2026: Vietnam leaves distinct mark at global cultural showcase

The “Vietnam Pavilion” at Aldea Global 2026 offers Mexican visitors and international guests an opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, history and people through exhibitions, tourism promotion activities, traditional arts presentations and displays of representative cultural products.

Michelin Guide Vietnam recognises 11 one-Michelin star restaurants (Photo: Michelin Guide Vietnam)

Local ingredients, cultural roots propel Vietnam’s Michelin journey

One of the clearest examples is Hieu Luc, a modest fish soup eatery on Hai Ba Trung Street in Hanoi, which has been included in the Michelin Selected category for the second consecutive year. Known for its clear, delicately sweet broth made from freshwater perch and mustard greens, the restaurant serves a traditional specialty from Hung Yen province.

Delegates attending the ASEAN City Leaders Conference 2026 visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long on June 9. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN city leaders explore Hanoi’s heritage sites

At the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, delegates visited the Doan Mon Gate and learnt about the formation and development of the ancient capital through different historical periods at display spaces. They also explored the Kinh Thien Palace’s Dragon Steps (large stone steps with dragon carvings), regarded as the political and ceremonial centre of the imperial citadel during successive Vietnamese dynasties.

Ly Hoang Nam is Asia's No. 1 pickleball player. (Photo: webthethao.vn)

Ly Hoang Nam tops Asian pickleball rankings

Vietnam boasts five players in the DUPR Asian top 10, with Nam leading the rankings on 6,267 points ahead of competitors from the Philippines, India, Hong Kong (China) and Chinese Taipei.

Visitors to the booth of the Vietnamese Embassy at the Embassies Food and Culture Festival held in Prague, the Czech Republic, on June 6 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture, cuisine leave lasting impression in Czech Republic

Featuring more than 100 booths representing diverse cultures from around the world, the festival transformed the heart of Prague into a vibrant multicultural space where visitors could sample traditional dishes, enjoy folk performances, listen to traditional music and experience unique cultural showcases from different continents.