Held in a vibrant and festive atmosphere, the program titled “Mountains embrace the blue sea” delivered a striking combination of music, light and live performance, presenting Gia Lai and the central coastal region as a dynamic and culturally rich destination ready to welcome both domestic and international travellers.
The multi-chapter production guided audiences through a narrative journey of nature and heritage. It opened with “Origin,” where imagery of the Sun goddess and the blossoming Pơ Lang flower symbolised the birth of life, combining visual effects with choreographed performances representing earth and water.
The program then moved into “Spirit of the great forest,” marked by the resonant sounds of gongs evoking the cultural depth and spiritual identity of the Central Highlands.
A dramatic highlight came with “The heroic spirit of Tây Sơn,” featuring powerful choreography, drums and fire effects to recreate the intensity of historic battles. The segment culminated in a symbolic victory and reunion between Emperor Quang Trung and Princess Ngọc Hân.
The finale, “Mountains embrace the blue sea”, brought together forest and coastal cultures through poetic imagery, folk music and a live reenactment of a traditional fishermen’s festival staged on Quy Nhơn’s shoreline and broadcast to the main stage.
Nguyễn Kim Hương, a 70-year-old artisan involved in the reenactment, said the scale of the event was unprecedented for a traditional festival that had rarely been featured at national level. Performers, including university student Bùi Việt Quang, described the experience as both an honour and an opportunity to better understand local heritage.
Audience members praised the event’s scale and production quality. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Loan, a local resident, said it was the first time she had witnessed such a large event in her hometown, while visitor Nguyễn Minh Phụng described the experience as “deeply moving” and worth the journey.
International visitors also responded positively. Spanish tourist David Blatt said he was impressed by the lively atmosphere, the performances and the friendliness of local people during his visit to Quy Nhơn and nearby attractions.
For younger attendees, the event carried particular significance. Student Kiều Thảo Nguyên said she hoped the program would help raise awareness of Gia Lai as a tourism destination.
Organisers said the opening ceremony was not only an artistic performance but also a strategic introduction to the region’s tourism potential.
By combining cultural storytelling with modern staging techniques, the event aimed to position Gia Lai and surrounding areas as key destinations during the National Tourism Year.
As the program concluded, it left a lasting impression as both a celebration of cultural identity and a call to explore a region rich in heritage, natural beauty and hospitality.