The opening of the Da Nang International Fireworks (DIFC) 2009 competition Friday dazzled spectators with performances from the Filipino, Spanish and Vietnamese teams.

Despite the sweltering weather, many families, who had come prepared with cooking, stationed themselves across the Han River since 3 p.m. to get a good vantage point.

The family of 79-year-old Vo Binh from Da Nang’s neighboring Quang Ngai Province arrived for the event at 1:30 p.m.

The Filipino team, Dragon Fireworks, got the show going with a 21-minute, 15 second performance themed “Da Nang – New Millennium”.

The display, mixed with various water and color effects, went along with the exciting soundtrack which included songs such as Explosive, Nostalgia, Reflections of Passion, Victory, Book of Days, Aria, Time to Say Goodbye, and Standing in Motion.

The Han River flowed with the lights and sounds of the Dragon Fireworks performance.

This was followed by Spain’s “Melody of Happiness” featuring the hallmarks of the traditions and modern lives of the Spanish people. The performance was accompanied by the rhythms of modern Spanish music.

The Vietnamese team also dazzled spectators with a 21-minute 14 second-display themed “The sound of Han River” that combined water effects and traditional Vietnamese songs.

Traditional festivals and tourist staples of Da Nang City as well as the long fight for independence of its people were all featured through the performance.

Yet to come

China’s Liuyang Dancing will bring along the wireless firing technology that the fireworks manufacturer used at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics.

Howard & Son Pyrotechnics from Australia will stage what it calls the “most memorable display.”

The Da Nang International Fireworks competition was first held last year. The second year marks the 34-year anniversary of the liberation of the central city.

Reported by Huu Tra