Team Italy brings cinematic brilliance to DIFF 2026

Competing on the festival’s “Culture” night, the two-time DIFF champion presented “Echoes Becoming Future,” a performance that transformed the skies above the Han River into a giant cinematic stage.

Through a carefully choreographed combination of music, light and pyrotechnic artistry, the Italian team took audiences on a journey that bridged Europe’s rich cultural heritage with the energy and creativity of the modern world.

The show opened with the grandeur of classical European music, featuring powerful melodies such as Lacrimosa and works inspired by Antonio Vivaldi.

Against this dramatic soundtrack, fireworks unfolded in layers of colour and light, creating scenes that felt more like chapters of a film than a traditional fireworks display.

As the performance progressed, Martarello demonstrated the storytelling style that has become its trademark over more than a century of fireworks artistry.

Each sequence carried its own emotion and rhythm, while together they formed a larger narrative about the enduring power of culture and its ability to evolve across generations.

One of the evening’s most delightful surprises came when the Italian team incorporated popular Vietnamese songs, including the viral hit “See Tinh”.

The unexpected choice instantly resonated with the audience, generating cheers and creating a joyful connection between performers and spectators.

The seamless synchronisation between music and fireworks elevated the experience even further.

Cascading golden effects, dramatic aerial bursts and multi-layered compositions illuminated the Da Nang skyline, turning the Han River waterfront into a breathtaking canvas of sound and colour.

In addition to technical excellence, the performance delivered a powerful message: culture is not a static legacy but a living force that continuously reinvents itself while remaining rooted in tradition.

Through this artistic vision, Martarello celebrated both cultural heritage and the possibilities of the future. As the final fireworks faded into the night sky, enthusiastic applause echoed across the riverside venue.

The performance not only captivated thousands of spectators but also reaffirmed the reputation of Martarello Group S.R.L, a team that previously claimed DIFF titles in 2017 and 2018.

With “Echoes Becoming Future,” the Italian fireworks masters once again demonstrated that great fireworks are more than visual entertainment - they are a form of storytelling capable of connecting cultures, inspiring emotions and leaving lasting memories long after the final spark disappears.

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What makes DIFF special is that it goes far beyond a fireworks competition. It is a celebration of culture, creativity and international friendship, helping strengthen connections between Da Nang, Vietnam as a whole, and the global community.

Giorgio Bonaccio, the team leader of the Italian team

Translated by THU LE