The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026 marks the 14th edition since its inception in 2008. To prepare for the festival's performance nights, a meticulous logistical operation was launched to transport and store all explosive materials from overseas to the firing site on the Han River bank.

Da Nang fireworks team prepares fireworks at the firing site along the Han River, ready for the opening night on 30/5. *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

According to the organizing committee, most of the festival's fireworks were sourced from Trung Quoc. A few special effects were purchased domestically, produced by factory Z121 (Ministry of National Defense). For the international leg, the fireworks were packed in specialized containers and transported by sea. Dedicated fleets, specifically licensed to carry Class 1 dangerous goods (explosives), ensured compliance with international maritime conventions on fire and explosion prevention.

Upon arrival at Hai Phong port, four sealed 40-foot containers were handed over to factory Z121. This entity is the only one authorized to handle and transport explosive fireworks in Viet Nam. The entire consignment was then transported to Da Nang by a Ministry of National Defense tractor-trailer team under close supervision.

In Da Nang, the initial staging point for the fireworks was the Da Nang City Military Command warehouse, located in the Hoa Khanh area. This storage facility is isolated from residential areas, adheres to the technical standards set by the Ministry of National Defense, and is protected 24 hours a day by armed forces.

Fireworks are gathered at the firing site, covered with tarps, awaiting ignition. *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

To transport the fireworks from the military warehouse to the firing ground on the Han River bank without disrupting urban traffic, the organizing committee mandated that movements only occur after peak hours. Each week, four 20-foot containers depart the warehouse when the streets are less crowded.

The transport convoys are always escorted by traffic police, fire and rescue police vehicles, and coordinated with the electricity sector to ensure a smooth route free from power line obstructions.

Over the entire duration of the festival, there will be a total of 24 trips involving 20-foot containers transporting fireworks to the firing site, along with six specialized trucks on standby to collect any leftover fireworks after each competition night.

Given the hot weather in mien Trung, surface temperatures at the Han River firing site can soar. With thousands of fireworks fixed onto outdoor launchers, experts must implement protective measures to prevent premature detonation or damage to the gunpowder from rainstorms.

Firefighting water drums at the firing site. *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

According to a representative from Global 2000 Fireworks Consulting Company, the event producer for DIFF, once fireworks are placed into launch tubes, technicians first cover them with aluminum foil, then with plastic sheeting, and finally with a tarp over the entire launcher assembly.

To prevent premature detonation, the system is protected by two firing safety mechanisms on the control panels. Additionally, Global 2000 restricts potential risk sources such as analog mobile phones and gasoline-powered engines, and prohibits unauthorized personnel from entering the firing zone.

Nguyen Nhat Vu, leader of the Da Nang fireworks team, stated that each firework cake or tray is designed with an internal silver foil layer for rain protection. Nevertheless, to ensure comprehensive safety, the firing site area is equipped with a system of safety devices.

Nguyen Nhat Vu, leader of the Da Nang fireworks team, discusses ensuring fireworks safety before ignition. *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

The warehouse area is equipped with an automatic misting system that sprays every two hours to cool the entire storage room. To counter hot and humid weather, the fireworks are additionally wrapped in moisture-proof nylon.

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, themed "Danang - United Horizons," opens tonight, 30/5. The inaugural competition features host team Da Nang (Viet Nam) against defending champion Jiangxi Yangfeng Art Display (Trung Quoc).

Returning to this year's event, Viet Nam's representative introduces advancements in sound visualization technology combined with multi-layered spatial arrangements. Meanwhile, the defending champion from Trung Quoc will debut high-quality smokeless fireworks set to the music of "Viet Nam tinh hoa," promising a dramatic opening night showdown.

The festival will span six weeks, with themed competition nights held every saturday. The grandstand is located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Tra Ward. The firing site is across the Han River, in the Han River port area, on Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau Ward. The final night, sharing the festival's main theme, is scheduled for 11/7.

This year, DIFF has been recognized for the first time by Travel + Leisure travel magazine as one of the world's top 9 most experience-worthy festivals. The organizing committee has opened online ticket sales and implemented 20% discount programs through digital banking applications to facilitate visitor access to the event.

Nguyen Dong