On January 28, the General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (GAVB) organized a program to teach Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and Belgian friends how to make “Banh chung,” a traditional cake enjoyed during the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet). This event aimed to pass on the tradition of making “Banh chung” to younger generations and strengthen family bonds among Vietnamese-Belgian families.
Dennis Laureys and Christophe Standaert, both of whom have Vietnamese girlfriends, had the opportunity to experience the preparation for Tet for the first time. Intrigued by the cultural and spiritual significance of Tet, they eagerly learned how to make “Banh chung.” Through this, they discovered that “Banh chung” is not just a dish but also a symbol of unity and gratitude.
Laureys expressed the significance of this occasion to him. Despite having visited Vietnam multiple times, this was his first experience of the Tet atmosphere and witnessing how Vietnamese people prepare for the festival. Participating in this activity deepened his understanding of the Vietnamese community and allowed him to see the sense of unity and diversity that is uniquely present during Tet.
This program also marked the launch of the women’s committee of the GAVB. Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao commended the committee for its initiative to help young people connect with their roots and appreciate the unique culture of Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.
The ambassador pledged his support for the GAVB’s activities, stating that the embassy always serves as a home for the Vietnamese community in Belgium. GAVB President Huynh Cong My announced that the association would continue organizing various activities to foster solidarity within the Vietnamese community in the European country.
Hanoians adorn home with wild pear blossoms
As a traditional custom, displaying flowers at home on early days of a lunar year is believed to bring good luck to the home owners. Having done exhibiting peach blossoms during the Lunar New Year holiday, Hanoians start buying pure white pear flowers to decorate their houses these days.
Tet comes early to border soldiers
The organization of early Tet celebration for officials and soldiers away from home on the occasion of Lunar New Year is an encouragement for them to feel secure in accomplishing their tasks.
Wild peach blossoms attract visitors during Lunar New Year
The streets of Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien province, are flooded with the pinkish hue of wild peach blossom. The flower has become one of Dien Bien most distinctive and attractive features.
Hanoi children eager to wrap Chung cake as Tet gifts
To share a warm Tet holiday with disadvantaged children in remote areas, thousands of chung cakes have been made by children in Hanoi.
‘Cay’ cake – A specialty of Thai Binh province
Each locality in Vietnam has its own specialty that it is proud of. Visitors to Nguyen or Nguyen Xa village, in Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province are always invited to eat ‘cay’ cake, which is made of glutinous rice well blended with fat and ginger.
