The “Bonjour Vietnam” festival, a collaborative effort by the Vietnamese Trade Office, the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, and various Vietnamese associations and businesses, offered Parisians a vibrant glimpse into Vietnamese culture and traditions.
A colorful array of fresh and dried Vietnamese fruits, including lychees, dragon fruits, jackfruits, and mangoes, greeted visitors, alongside other specialty products. The culinary corner, a highlight of the festival, tempted palates with iconic dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and snail noodles.
Beyond the delicious food, the event provided a rich cultural experience. Participants could delve into the art of Vietnamese tea appreciation, discover the charm of traditional Dong Ho folk paintings and printing techniques, observe the intricate process of bamboo and rattan basket weaving, and appreciate a photo exhibition celebrating Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and people.
Vu Anh Son, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in France, emphasized the festival’s aim to strengthen ties between Vietnamese businesses in France and the local market. He noted the successful partnership with Vietnam Airlines, which resulted in the export of nearly 20 tonnes of Vietnamese lychees to meet demand in the Paris – Ile de France region this year.
The festival concluded with a mesmerizing music performance, “Colours of Vietnam,” featuring young Vietnamese artists from around the world, alongside artists from the Vietnam Cultural Centre and the “Les Petits Rossignols” children’s choir. The show captivated both French and Vietnamese audiences with its blend of cultural melodies.
The fashion showcase was another standout moment, with designer Ella Phan presenting her “Dong chay” (Flow) collection of traditional long dresses, which gracefully graced the stage.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Dinh Toan Thang, voiced his support for the continuation of the “Bonjour Vietnam” initiative, believing it to be a wonderful platform to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Vietnamese culture, art, tourism, and cuisine to a global audience.
Hoang Thu Trang, President of the Art Space Association, shared that 33 students of Vietnamese origin from five countries had participated in the event as part of the “Touchers Art 2024 – Bonjour Vietnam” project. This project by Art Space aims to promote Vietnamese culture internationally, instill national pride in young Vietnamese, and support underprivileged children in Vietnam through fundraising initiatives.
Art programme to welcome Lunar New Year’s Eve
NDO – A special art programme, bringing together many renowned and world-class artists from abroad, who are returning to Vietnam for the first time with their families to participate in the Lunar New Year’s Eve programme, which will be officially broadcasted on Vietnam Television (VTV) at 9:15 pm on January 24 (the Lunar New Year’s Eve).
“Japanese Culture Festival” opens in Da Nang city
NDO/VNA – The Da Nang Museum held the “Japanese Culture Festival” 2019 in the central city of Da Nang on March 10 to introduce the beauty of the culture, land and people of Japan to locals and visitors, thus contributing to the strengthening of cultural exchange between the two countries and bilateral friendship.
Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 opens
NDO – The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2018 officially opened at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Area and Trang An Ecotourism Area, in the northern province of Ninh Binh on June 9.
Dong Thap hosts its first lotus festival
NDO – The first Lotus Festival opened at Van Mieu Park in Cao Lanh city located in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap on September 1.
Vietnamese durian introduced to Australia
A ceremony to open the 2019 Vietnamese Durian Tasting Roadshow was held in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 29. The show offered durian to people to boost Vietnamese durian’s reputation in Australia.
