The 2013 Da Nang International Fireworks Competition, which began at 8pm April 29 and continues tonight, drew several thousand tourists with its spectacular firework shows by the Russian, Vietnamese and Italian teams.

This year’s festival, the sixth to be held, is themed “Tinh yeu song Han” (Love for the Han river). It opened with the enigmatic, visually striking show by the Russian team, which produced imaginative configurations, stunning light effects and music. 

Meanwhile, the performance by the host Vietnamese team, which was themed “Da Nang duoi mat troi” (Da Nang in the sunshine), took up a cheerful note, expressing the joyousness of Vietnam’s and Da Nang’s prosperity.

The Italian team, whose performances in previous festivals had won high acclaim, came in with a wide array of emotions, oscillating between contemplative, tranquil parts, fiery, tempestuous elements and solemn moments.

The competition will conclude tonight, Apr 30, after shows by the US and Japanese teams.

Apart from indulging in the firework shows, visitors can also take part in several complementary activities.

The “Da Nang 2013 international cuisine fest”, which was jointly put on by the Da Nang Event and Festival Organizing Center, the Russian Consular General in Da Nang, and the Japanese Culture Exchange Center, and takes place till Apr 30 at the General Science Library, showcases the cuisine of each contending country.

Other activities include river tours which offer tourists: two options “Exploring the golden sand beach” and “Touring the Han river at night”, floating flowers and colored lanterns, flower boat parades, street music shows, and an exhibition called “Hoang Sa của Viet Nam – nhung bang chung lich su” (Hoang Sa belongs to Vietnam – historical evidence) held at the Da Nang museum.