Gia Lai welcomes 2026 with dual-site countdown celebrations

The event, themed “Ignite the Heart – Connect with Love,” was directed by the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee and organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with Gia Lai Newspaper, Gia Lai Radio and Television, and related agencies. The program was broadcast live on GTV and streamed across digital platforms from both locations.

Attending the event at Nguyễn Tất Thành Square were Nguyễn Tuấn Thanh, a member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Lý Tiết Hạnh, a Provincial Party member and Deputy Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, along with leaders of provincial departments, agencies and mass organizations.

The countdown carried special significance as Gia Lai has been selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to host the National Tourism Year 2026.

The program unfolded in two chapters. The first, “Spring Vitality – Spreading Love,” conveyed resilience and optimism after a year marked by hardships, natural disasters and floods, while expressing hope for renewal and development. The second, “Igniting Youth – International Convergence,” delivered a youthful, contemporary atmosphere reflecting cultural integration in a globalized era.

Audiences watched a documentary highlighting Gia Lai’s major cultural, sports and tourism milestones in 2025, followed by performances from popular artists including Suzie Ngọc, Đinh Kiến Phong, Trần Ngọc Ánh, Neko Lê, Khôi Vũ, the Nghĩa Nguyễn group, rapper Jbee and others. Singer Kyo York energized the crowd with “Happy New Year,” “Hello Vietnam,” and a mashup of “Việt Nam đi và đi” and “Việt Nam những chuyến đi.”

The Countdown program made its mark with the participation of many beloved singers such as: Suzie Ngọc, Đinh Kiến Phong, Trần Ngọc Ánh, Khôi Vũ... Photo: Nguyễn Dũng

The performances, supported by modern sound, lighting and stage technology, created a vibrant musical space that drew enthusiastic responses from thousands of spectators, particularly young people.

Hà Anh Tuấn, a local resident, said he arrived early to secure a good view and expressed hope for more community-oriented events as Gia Lai continues to develop. Emma, a tourist from Australia, said she and her friends joined the countdown after learning about the event during their holiday in Quy Nhơn.

At Đại Đoàn Kết Square, the program themed “Gia Lai: Spring Colors Converge – Shining into the Future” blended the modern rhythm of urban life with the cultural identity of the Central Highlands. Leaders of provincial departments and a large crowd of residents attended.

The artistic program opened with resonant gong performances evoking the traditional cultural life of Central Highlands ethnic communities, followed by the “Vui hội làng” gong ensemble from Pleiku and Diên Hồng wards. Lion and dragon dances symbolizing luck and prosperity, along with songs praising the homeland and the nation performed by the Đam San General Music and Dance Theater, added a dignified tone to the evening.

Modern dance pieces, violin performances, spring medleys and solo and group singing brought youthful energy to the square, reflecting the dynamism of the younger generation at the turn of the year. Local residents Đồng Văn Bình and Rah Lan H’vi shared their hopes for peace, happiness and continued development in 2026.

With 12 performances, the art program promoted Gia Lai as a culturally rich, friendly and dynamic destination, helping lay the groundwork for National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026.

The celebrations concluded with a fireworks display at the moment of transition into the new year, as Gia Lai’s Countdown 2026 brought communities together to welcome 2026 with shared optimism and renewed confidence in the province’s future.