Belgian Culture & Food Festival 2023 kicks off in Hai Phong
The Belgian Culture & Food Festival 2023 (B.Fest 2023), the third of its kind and the largest Belgian culture and food event ever hosted in Vietnam, opened in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 6 evening as a celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023).
A performace staged at the opening ceremony of B.Fest 2023. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) - The Belgian Culture & Food Festival 2023 (B.Fest 2023), the third of its kind and the largest Belgian culture and food event ever hosted in Vietnam, opened in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 6 evening as a celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023).
Co-organised by the Embassy of Belgium and the DEEP C Industrial Zones – the largest Belgian-invested project in Vietnam, comprising a system of industrial zones and a seaport developed and operated by Belgian investors in Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province – and other units, the three-day event introduces to visitors over 20 premium craft beers directly imported from Belgium and specialty dishes steeped in Belgian style.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Belgian Ambassador Karl Van den Bossche said this was an opportunity for tourists and Hai Phong residents to enjoy one of Belgium's most important culinary export products and unique cultural experiences.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Le Khac Nam affirmed that the event contributed to laying the foundation for the development of the bilateral ties in the years to come. The support of the Vietnamese and Belgian people will create conditions for bilateral relations to flourish and boom, especially in economic cooperation, he said.
During the course of three days, B.Fest 2023 is set to treat attendants to a carnival parade, a musical concert, fireworks, waltz dances, flair bartending demonstrations, skating performances, among many other exciting activities./.
Belgian culture will be brought closer to Hanoians through the event “A Touch of Belgium” to be held by the Belgian Embassy at the Ly Thai To Statue Garden on May 12 to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Vietnam and Belgium have seen their relationship growing continuously across all areas over the past 50 years since they set up diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, only two months after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.
President Vo Van Thuong hosted a reception for visiting President of the Belgian Senate Stéphanie D'Hose in Hanoi on August 22, during which he affirmed that the State and people of Vietnam always treasure relations with Belgium and are keen on lifting up bilateral ties to a new height.
Representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium participated in the annual Manifiesta (Solidarity) Festival of the Workers’ Party of Belgium held in Ostende city from September 9-10.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
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.
A performace staged at the opening ceremony of B.Fest 2023. (Photo: VNA) 
