The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025, themed “Da Nang – A New Era,” has become the largest DIFF season ever, bringing together the world’s leading fireworks teams. Among them, Z121 Vina Pyrotech (Vietnam Team 2), representing Factory Z121 under the Ministry of National Defense, made a powerful impression by winning the Runner-up title in its first-ever participation, delivering a moment of immense pride for Vietnamese fireworks.

Stepping onto the international stage – Z121 affirms its pioneering position

Prior to DIFF 2025, Z121 was the only domestically licensed fireworks manufacturer in Vietnam, yet had never competed on an international stage. This year, driven by the determination to showcase “Made in Vietnam” fireworks capabilities, Z121 officially entered DIFF, standing shoulder to shoulder with strong teams from China, Poland, Italy, South Korea, and beyond.

From the qualifying rounds, Z121 impressed judges and audiences alike with a standout performance, surpassing multiple competitors to advance to the grand final—marking the first time a Vietnamese fireworks team reached the top tier of DIFF.

“Aspiration to rise” – A story of peace and Vietnamese identity

In the official competition night, Z121 Vina Pyrotech presented a performance titled “Aspiration to Rise,” telling a story of peace, development, and national pride through the language of light and music.

The show unfolded across four seamlessly connected chapters, beginning with dynamic rhythms and multi-layered lighting that energized the audience and set a festive tone. Brilliant red and gold hues symbolized Vietnam’s indomitable spirit, followed by softer blue and purple tones that evoked reflection, hope, and renewal.

The climax featured a sophisticated blend of high-altitude fireworks, color-changing effects, and flame-based pyrotechnics, creating signature visuals such as lotus blossoms in bloom, the Vietnamese national flag soaring, falling golden leaves, and coconut silhouettes—all harmoniously synchronized with music to paint a dazzling tableau across the Han River sky. Every moment was meticulously calculated, achieving a perfect balance between artistry and engineering precision.

Spectacular fireworks displays by Z121 at DIFF 2025

Military discipline – Modern technology – A breakthrough strategy

Competing at DIFF demands exceptional precision in timing, sound synchronization, visual effects, and absolute safety. Drawing on decades of experience in defense fireworks research and manufacturing, Z121 undertook months of meticulous preparation—from lighting and music scripting to launch positioning, wind assessment, and sightline optimization.

Z121 engineers skillfully deployed a range of advanced fireworks types, including high-tier aerial shells, color-changing effects, and soft-fall fireworks, ensuring vivid visual impact while maintaining the highest safety standards. This unique fusion of military-grade technical discipline and artistic creativity has opened a new chapter for Vietnamese fireworks on the global stage.

Remarks by Senior Colonel Chu Việt Sơn, Director of Factory Z121, at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2025

Runner-up honor – A historic milestone for Vietnamese fireworks

In the final results, Z121 Vina Pyrotech – Vietnam Team 2 proudly claimed the Runner-up position at DIFF 2025, finishing just behind Jiangxi Yanfeng (China). This achievement represents the highest ranking ever attained by a Vietnamese fireworks team, affirming Vietnam’s technical competence, creative vision, and distinctive identity in the international fireworks arena.

Spectacular fireworks displays by Z121 at DIFF 2025

Beyond DIFF 2025 – Reaching new heights

Success at DIFF 2025 marks an important springboard for Z121 to further develop modern artistic fireworks, enhance technical quality, expand international cooperation, and set its sights on DIFF 2026 and other major fireworks festivals worldwide.

At the same time, Z121 aims to accelerate the localization of artistic fireworks, promote the national fireworks brand, and bring Vietnamese audiences safe, legal, and emotionally resonant fireworks experiences.

Spectacular fireworks displays by Z121 at DIFF 2025

Z121 Vina Pyrotech – Lighting up Vietnam’s skies with national pride, defense-grade technology, and an unwavering aspiration to reach the world.