‘Autumn of Peace’ for the Vietnamese community in Belgium
WVR - The Women's Association – General Union of Vietnamese in Belgium (UGVB) collaborated with the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club to organize the 95th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam Women's Union at the Ixelles Cultural Center, Brussels.
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| Showcasing the Nhat Binh attire from the collection "Silhouette of the Capital". |
The event not only attracted women from Brussels and nearby cities but also welcomed many Belgian friends, including Ixelles district officials and Vietnam enthusiasts, who shared joy and appreciation for Vietnamese women.
In his speech, Mr. Huynh Cong My, Chairman of UGVB, affirmed the significant role of Vietnamese women throughout the history of nation-building and defense, as well as in modern life.
He emphasized: “Vietnamese women consistently assert their position in society, striving and growing in all aspects, worthy of the tradition of excelling in both national affairs and household duties.”
In the warm atmosphere of the ceremony, sweet melodies and songs about motherhood, love, and the silent sacrifices of women moved many attendees.
Notably, the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in Belgium presented performances rich in cultural identity, from the rustic four-part dress of Northern women to the graceful ao dai, evoking the Vietnamese spirit abroad.
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| Contestants in the pho cooking competition answer questions from the jury members. |
The highlight of the performance was the Nhat Binh attire from the "Silhouette of the Capital" collection, traditionally worn by concubines and princesses of the Nguyen dynasty.
Ms. Hong Hanh – a woman of Hue origin, shared that the collection was designed by Quang Hoa Tailor (Hue) specifically for the Club. Ms. Hanh stated: “We aim to bring Vietnamese traditional costumes back into life, helping the younger generation understand more about historical values and royal aesthetics.”
She also shared that during a recent visit to her homeland, she brought the Nhat Binh attire to Belgium to introduce the ancient royal beauty of Hue to international friends and the overseas Vietnamese community.
An interesting feature of this year's program was the pho cooking competition – a dish considered the “soul” of Vietnamese cuisine.
The contestants were Vietnamese students studying in Belgium. Despite being first or second-year students, they demonstrated skill and national pride through each fragrant bowl of pho.
Surprisingly, the winning team consisted of two male students from Ho Chi Minh City, whose delicate presentation and rich flavour impressed the jury.
Ms. Quynh Iris de Prelle, a member of the organizing committee, shared: “This is the first time UGVB has organized a pho cooking competition. The goal is not only to honour Vietnamese cuisine but also to connect generations of Vietnamese in Belgium, sharing stories of peace and love.”
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| Guests include Ixelles district leaders and Belgian friends who love Vietnam. |
Sharing her impressions of the event, Ms. Nevruz Unai, Deputy Mayor of Ixelles, expressed admiration: “I am truly impressed with Vietnamese women; they are very dynamic and strong. In Vietnam, women are an important economic force, not only in agriculture but also in business.
Even in Belgium, I see them daring to start businesses and take charge of their work. Yet, wherever they are, they remain the keepers of the home and bear the 'emotional weight' in the family. Events like this are meaningful as they honor women, especially Vietnamese women.”
On this occasion, UGVB also launched a fundraising campaign to support compatriots in Vietnam affected by storms and floods, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and mutual support, a traditional beauty of the Vietnamese people wherever they are.
Amidst the Belgian autumn, with flowing ao dai and warm smiles, the image of Vietnamese women shines – gentle yet resilient, simple yet enduring.
“Autumn of Peace” is not only the theme of the ceremony but also a message of love, connection, and national pride spreading across Europe.
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Belgium)
