Vietnamese in Brussels celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
Vietnamese expatriates across Belgium gathered in Brussels on September 15 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, turning the event into a warm reunion.
UGVB President Huynh Cong My speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) ღ– Vietnamese expatriates across Belgium gathered in Brussels on September 15 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, turning the event into a warm reunion.
Held by the General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (UGVB), the event saw the presence of Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao and officials from Ixelles district, a hub of Vietnamese community in Belgium.
UGVB President Huynh Cong My opened the event with a tribute to the victims of Typhoon Yagi, urging the community to rally support for those affected by the devastating natural disaster.
A cultural highlight of the event was the traditional 'Ao dai' fashion show, featuring Belgian husbands and Vietnamese-Belgian children. The flowing 'Ao dai', imbued with rich Vietnamese symbolism, created a bridge between the two cultures.
Beyond the runway, the festival was a sensory feast, with a vibrant food and traditional product fair. Aromas of familiar Vietnamese delicacies, from mooncakes and 'pho' (noodle soup) to spring rolls and sticky rice filled the air, enticing visitors to indulge in the tastes of home.
A Vietnamese book stall offered a literary escape, while an 'Ao dai' stall showcased exquisite designs, allowing visitors to take home their favourite pieces.
A charitable aspect of the event was the sale of Vietnamese goods by the Friends for Vietnamese Kids group, aimed at raising funds for underprivileged students in the northern province of Bac Giang.
Additionally, the festival raised a total of 1,110 EUR (1,234 USD) to support Vietnamese flood victims.
Lion and dragon dance performances also added to the festive atmosphere, delighting children and adults alike./.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao visited a wind power project in Hanzinelle - Gerpinnes in the Belgian province of Namur, and had a working session with experts to discuss challenges and opportunities for energy cooperation between the two countries.
A workshop was held in Anvers city, Belgium, on June 6 to update participants about the logistics industry of Vietnam and suggest measures for turning challenges into business opportunities for Belgian firms.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 20 for André Flahaut, visiting member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Minister of State.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
