On Saturday evening, among thousands of people heading to the two banks of the Han River to enjoy spectacular fireworks performances in the finale of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2023 were 59 highland pupils.

Highlands children attentively waiting for the first fireworks display

They were on a special tour called ‘Highlands children go downtown’ organised by Mr. Nguyen Binh Nam along with some benefactors, teachers and volunteers.

Most of them were orphans and ethnic minorities in extremely difficult circumstances living in mountainous districts of Nam Tra My, Tay Giang, Dong Giang in Quang Nam Province, and Tay Tra in Quang Ngai Province.

Going downtown for the first time, the highlands children were taken to supermarkets, go swim in the sea and see fireworks with their own eyes. These things may be familiar to downtown children but completely strange to many children living in mountainous districts.

Mr. Nguyen Chinh, teacher of the Kim Dong Primary School in Nam Tra My District, who is in charge of supervising the children during the trip, shared that the children clapped their hands and jumped up high when knowing they were going to city centre watch the fireworks".

Despite their excitement, some children only know the name but cannot imagine the shape and colour of the fireworks. Ho Vy Dai, a 3^rd grader of the Tra Don Primary School in Nam Tra My District, said “I don't know what fireworks are, they sound weird. I've never seen fireworks, not even on TV".

Highlands children show their emotions when they watch fireworks for the first time

At around 8:15pm, when the lights went out, leaving the sky open for the Italian team's fireworks display, the children burst into cheers, and their young faces showed anticipation. Their sparkling eyes followed every movement of fireworks performance.

And when the first firecrackers were fired into the sky, many children sat up, their eyes gradually opened wider, their small mouths slowly curled up and then constantly exclaimed "so beautiful!".

When the fireworks shows ended, Ho Vy Dai said “I already know what fireworks are like. I wish my relatives could see it too".

Using to watch fireworks on phone screen, but it wasn't until today that Ho Thi Khanh, a 11^th grader of the Nam Tra My Ethnic Minority Boarding School, was able to enjoy fireworks at a close and realistic position.

“It is better to see fireworks with my own eyes than on the phone. I hope to go to Da Nang next time to see fireworks" she added.

As for Ho Van Bi, a 7^th grader of Tra Don Semi-Boarding School for ethnic minority pupils in Nam Tra My District, fireworks hadbecome the most favourite and memorable experience that he had on the trip.

Although the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2023 ended, unique performances that the festival brought will probably remain in the memory of the highlands children.

​Reporting by THU DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG