Belgian friends are learning how to make "Banh vhung" at the event. (Photo: VNA) Brussels (VNA) – Joining their peers across the world in welcoming the festiveatmosphere of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, Vietnamese expatsin Belgium have joyfully prepared for event - the biggest and most important traditional festival of Vietnamese people in a year.
A programme was held by the General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (GAVB)on January 28 to teach OVs people, especially youngsters, and Belgian friends howto make “Banh chung" (square glutinous rice cake) - a traditional cake of Vietnamese people during the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet).
For children of Vietnamese-Belgian families or Vietnamese children born andraised in Belgium, making “Banh chung” represents not only a traditionalactivity but also a lesson in gratitude and family bonds.
Dennis Laureys and Christophe Standaert, who haveVietnamese girlfriends, experienced the behind-the-scene preparation for Tet forthe first time. Intrigued by the cultural and spiritual significance of Tet,they eagerly learned how to make a traditional "Banh chung" as aprofound exploration of the festival, thus grasping that "Banh chung"is not just a dish but also a symbol of unity and gratitude.
Laureys said this occasion was of significant to him, adding that althoughhe had visited Vietnam multiple times, this was the first time he has experienced theTet atmosphere and witnessed how Vietnamese people prepare for the festival.
Theactivity helped him and other foreigners who love Vietnam to understand moreabout the Vietnamese community, and explore the sense of unity and diversitythat is uniquely present during the Tet atmosphere.
The programme was the first activity marking the launch of the women's committee of the GAVB.
Speaking at the event, VietnameseAmbassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao applauded the women's committee of the GAVB for its initiative to help youngpeople gain a deeper understanding of their roots and the unique culture of Vietnam,saying that this contributed to preserving and promoting traditional culture valuesof the homeland.
The ambassador affirmed his commitment to accompanying and supporting the GAVB’s activities, statingthat the embassy is always a common home for the Vietnamese community inBelgium.
⛎ GAVB President Huynh Cong My said the association will continue organisingnumerous activities to connect and strengthen the solidarity among theVietnamese community in the European country./.
