Following a unanimous decision by the judging panel, comprising artists, arts specialists, and the festival's consulting partner, Global2000, Jiangxi Yangfeng Art Display Co., Ltd of China and Macedos Pirotecnia of Portugal have secured places in the DIFF 2026 final.
The decision was based on a range of judging criteria, including the originality of each performance, the concept and thematic design, the creativity and diversity of visual effects, colour intensity, music selection, synchronisation between the soundtrack and the fireworks display, the quality of the finale, overall execution, and the emotional impact of the performance as assessed by the judging panel.
Representing China, the reigning DIFF 2025 champions once again demonstrated why the country is regarded as one of the world's leading fireworks powerhouses. Their performance, titled "The Flower of the East", earned high praise for its technical excellence, grand scale, and compelling visual storytelling.
Throughout the display, the team created layered visual effects that transformed the sky above the Han River into a vibrant artistic stage, featuring dynamic rhythms, constantly shifting colours, and emotionally charged climactic moments. Their seamless integration of cutting-edge display technology with creative artistry won acclaim from both the judges and the audience.
Meanwhile, Portugal delivered a remarkable return following its “Most Creative Award” at DIFF 2025. The team impressed with a poetic performance that embodied the distinctive artistic style of Europe.
Its fireworks were choreographed like a symphony of light, skilfully blending music, colour and rhythm to tell emotionally engaging stories.
During the fifth competition night, themed "Vision", the Portuguese team captivated spectators by creating fireworks that formed the image of a Vietnamese bamboo hedge, accompanied by the patriotic song "Dong Mau Lac Hong" (The Lac Hong Bloodline). Through the skilful use of the night sky and a range of innovative visual effects, the team delivered one of the highest-rated performances of the season, offering DIFF 2026 audiences a distinctive and memorable visual experience.
Major General and composer Nguyen Duc Trinh, President of the Viet Nam Musicians' Association and a member of the judging panel, said: "The standard of competition this year has been exceptionally high, with almost every performance surpassing the judges’ expectations. Both China and Portugal have continued to outdo themselves, returning each time with new ideas, techniques, and visual effects. DIFF has truly become a showcase for creativity, where every edition offers audiences something fresh and inspiring."
