Vietnamese in Europe celebrate Tet holiday
HA NOI (VNS)— Overseas Vietnamese in Brussels and Berlin on Saturday gathered for performances and poetry readings to capture the festive spirit of the traditional lunar new year.
In Brussels, the Association of Vietnamese in Belgium and the Viet Nam-Belgium Friendship Association co-hosted a performance of traditional dances produced by a third-generation Vietnamese-Belgian. The performance featured a dragon dance, often seen at the opening of festivals in Viet Nam, and other traditional dances, as well as dances that were mixtures of European and Asian styles.
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Pham Sanh Chau sent his seasonal greetings to the Vietnamese community and congratulatory messages at the 40th anniversary of the two associations.
Maite Moren, officer for cultural and integration affairs of Ixelle District, home to a large Vietnamese community, expressed her delight to participate in the festival.
At Dong Xuan Market in Berlin, overseas Vietnamese joined locals in a celebration of the Nguyen Tieu Festival (the traditional festival held on the 15th day of the first lunar month) by holding a fourth annual poetry reading. The annual event has become significant for Vietnamese in Germany, strengthening their connection to their homeland.
This year’s event drew the participation of overseas Vietnamese poets and poetry lovers from all over Germany. Poems about springtime, love, nostalgia for the homeland and patriotic spirit were read, creating poignant moments for the audience.
Awards for a poetry competition launched two months ago were also announced. — VNS