After making a strong impression during its debut DIFF appearance in 2025, Z121 has made even more elaborate preparations for this year’s competition. According to Colonel Tran Anh Manh, Deputy Director of the Z121 Chemical Company, the team gained a lot of experience from the previous event. Every aspect of the performance, from the layout of the firing site and the selection of fireworks effects to synchronization with music, has been carefully studied and refined for this year's return.
Colonel Manh said preparations for DIFF 2026 have been underway for approximately six months. The team organized a series of professional workshops to select music, develop the performance script, design visual effects, and assign specific responsibilities to team members in order to ensure the highest possible performance quality.
The centerpiece of Z121’s show this year is a story about Vietnam’s rich cultural identity, the spirit of its people, and the nation’s aspirations for development. Colonel Manh revealed that the team has prepared several surprises for the audience.
Mr. Manh said: "Our factory is based in Phu Tho province, the ancestral land of the Hung Kings. We wanted to bring the image of this sacred land to DIFF 2026. We will create the image of the palm tree, a symbol closely associated with Phu Tho. It represents the resilience, determination, and enduring spirit of the local people."
Meanwhile, making its DIFF debut, the French team will offer a unique interpretation of the “Heritage” theme, drawing inspiration from Da Nang’s history, culture, and development journey. Arnaud Fouriau, captain of the French team, said that most of the installation work has already been completed.
He said: "The theme of the second competition night evokes ideas of origin and development while also looking toward the future and shining on the international stage. This is the message we hope to convey through our performance. Through imagery, music, and fireworks, we aim to celebrate and honor cultural values, traditional beauty, and the continuous connection between the past, present, and future of Da Nang in particular and Vietnam as a whole."
With both teams investing significant effort and creativity into their performance, the second competition night of DIFF 2026 is expected to deliver an exciting clash of two distinct cultural perspectives. Spectators eagerly await the surprises that will illuminate the skies above Da Nang on Saturday as music, light, and pyrotechnic artistry come together to tell stories of heritage in a universal language that transcends borders.
