Brussels (VNA) – Vietnam intrꦑoduced its unique cultural identity during activities within the framework of the EU Open Day🌊 in Brussels, Belgium, on May 10 at the invitation of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

As a honorary guest at the event for the first time, Vietnam presented a unique cultural and art performance programme, bringing overseas Vietnamese closer to their homeland. Each note stirred memories of vast rice fields, winding rivers, ancient village temples, and sweet lullabies.

The soulful music set the stage for Vietnamese graceful women in flowing ao dai and tilted conical hats, moving with elegance. Under the captivated gaze of the European audience, the performance by members of the Vietnamese Ao Dai heritage club in Belgium came alive like a vivid painting. Each graceful step and fluttering silk dress told a story of heritage, national pride, and cultural connection between Vietnam and Europe. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the EEAS, showed her impression of the Ao dai performance, saying that it was truly impressive, well-received by the public, and sparked even greater interest among Europeans about Vietnamese culture. She stressed that Vietnam is a special guest at the event as the country and the EU are celebrating the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations this year. Belgian and French practitioners, through dedication and passion, vividly brought to life the Eastern spirit of martial arts and deep philosophy in their performance of 'Thuy Phap', a water-inspired martial art. Their fluid yet powerful movements, at times gentle like drifting clouds, blended physical vitality, mental harmony, and the rich essence of Vietnamese culture. 'Thuy Phap' was no longer just a martial art technique, but transformed into a language of culture, a unique art form that powerfully conveyed Vietnam’s history and humanistic philosophy.

Adding to the experience, visitors also had the chance to explore Vietnam’s traditional calligraphy, presented by Jean-Sébastien Gill, a Frenchman with a deep love for Vietnamese culture. His graceful, knowledgeable, and respectful delivery left a strong impression. Borgat Romain, a French resident living in Brussels, shared that what Vietnam introduced at the event convinced him that it is a diverse, profound, and truly worth exploring country. The annual event attracted the participation of thousands of local residents, tourists, and international visitors flocked to central Brussels to tour the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council. They joined interactive activities and learned about the EU’s power structure and operations. Vietnam left a deep impression on international friends as a nation that is both traditional and modern, always ready to integrate and proudly spread its unique cultural identity./.