DIFF 2026: Macau (China) and Germany debutants promise surprises

Macau team (China) brings “Journey to the West” to the skies

Although making its first appearance at DIFF, Apple Pyrotechnics Co., Ltd. arrives in Da Nang with an impressive record.

Over the past three years, the team has claimed top prizes at the Liuyang International Fireworks Conference 2023, the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 2024 and the Zhuhai Chimelong International Fireworks Competition 2025.

For its DIFF debut, the Macau team has prepared a performance inspired by the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West” aiming to transform the beloved story into a spectacular visual experience.

Ye ZhiChao, the technical manager of the team, said Vietnamese audiences are highly familiar with and fond of the iconic tale, making it a natural choice for the show.

“At first, we were concerned because it is such a timeless masterpiece. But after extensive research, we realized that music and fireworks could recreate the epic atmosphere and convey the spirit of the story in a new and exciting way,” he said.

Creativity, according to Ye, plays a decisive role in international fireworks competitions. Innovation has therefore been placed at the heart of the team’s design process.

For the Da Nang performance, Apple Pyrotechnics will introduce several new products, including a new-generation water fireworks effect, alongside cutting-edge technologies and visual effects designed to offer audiences a distinctive experience.

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Our performances are known for their fast pace, layered visual effects and powerful climaxes that create a sense of awe for audiences. Combined with music, we hope to bring plenty of surprises to DIFF.

Ye ZhiChao, the technical manager of the Macau (China) team

Germany’s “Pyrographics”, promises precision and innovation

Germany’s Josef Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerk GmbH has earned a reputation for its distinctly German approach to pyrotechnics - combining precision, structure and creativity.

The team won the Philippines International Pyromusical Competition in 2018 and 2024 and finished runner-up in 2017.

Making its DIFF debut this year, the German team is set to present “Pyrographics”, a performance that its team leader describes as pushing beyond the boundaries of traditional fireworks.

The show combines classic pyrotechnic craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, blending precise programming with carefully synchronized music to create vibrant layers of color and movement.

Its grand finale is expected to transform the sky above the Han River into what the team calls “a perfect painting of fire in the air.”

Participating in DIFF is a great honour and that the team had thoroughly studied the festival and made extensive preparations before arriving in Da Nang.

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We watched performances from previous editions of DIFF as well as the competition nights held so far this year, and we have been truly impressed by all the teams. They have incorporated cutting-edge technologies that bring each show close to perfection.

As for the Macau (China) team, they are highly talented and full of surprises. We are looking forward to an exciting showdown on the fourth competition night of DIFF 2026.

Patrick Thomas Reuter, the leader of the German team

With two first-time participants competing under the theme of creativity, Saturday night’s showdown is expected to deliver a dynamic and inspiring spectacle, further reinforcing DIFF’s reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting fireworks festivals.

As anticipation builds along the Han River, audiences can look forward to an evening where innovation, storytelling and artistry come together to paint the Da Nang sky with unforgettable colours.