Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026: Showcasing Vietnamese culture, strengthening Vietnam–North Macedonia friendship
WVR - On June 30, at the National Opera Ballet Theater in the heart of Skopje, the Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria, concurrently accredited to North Macedonia, successfully organized the event "Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026" in collaboration with the Vietnamese Cultural Tourism Association in Europe (VNCT), the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, and the Skopje Summer Festival Organizing Committee.
Latest
 |
| The event "Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026" attracted local residents and international friends. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria) |
Organized as part of the 47th Skopje Summer Festival, the event attracted nearly 300 local residents and international friends. With the theme "Heritage - Harmony - Hospitality", the program showcased a Vietnam rich in tradition, dynamic, and integrated through a series of cultural, artistic, tourism, and product promotion activities.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet emphasised that although Vietnam and North Macedonia are geographically distant, they can come closer through music and cultural experiences. The Ambassador affirmed that the event not only promotes the image of Vietnam and its people but also contributes to strengthening the friendship and understanding between the two countries through culture – the most effective and sustainable bridge.
The Ambassador noted that with over four thousand years of history and a rich culture of 54 ethnic groups, Vietnam preserves traditional values while being a dynamic economy in Asia, actively integrating and contributing responsibly to the international community. The theme "Heritage - Harmony - Hospitality" also reflects Vietnam's core values, consistently showcased in the cultural activities, exhibitions, and exchanges at the event.
From early afternoon, the Vietnam promotion booth attracted a large number of visitors with products such as coffee, tea, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Alongside product promotion was a Vietnam tourism photo exhibition, featuring 30 photographic works on nature, cultural heritage, and contemporary life, showcasing the beauty of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Northwest terraced fields, and the Mekong Delta... with images of ao dai, conical hats, and traditional festivals, offering North Macedonian audiences and international friends a vivid view of a diverse, rich, and friendly Vietnam.
 |
| Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet and artists. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria) |
The highlight of the program was a concert combining Vietnamese traditional instrumentalists and the Luj Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Conductor Le Phi Phi. Meritorious Artist Tang Thanh Son and artist Dang Thanh Ngoc performed the T'rung, K'rong Put, dan nhi, and dan ty ba with new arrangements alongside the symphony orchestra, creating a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese music and Western symphonic language.
For many North Macedonian audiences, this was their first time experiencing Vietnamese traditional instruments through familiar melodies like Vietnam Que Huong Toi, Trong Com, Quang Binh Que Ta Oi... The clear sound of the T'rung, the unique performance technique of the K'rong Put, the deep tone of the dan nhi, and the elegant timbre of the dan ty ba repeatedly brought prolonged applause from the audience.
Many audience members expressed their delight at the richness of Vietnamese traditional music and highly appreciated the creative arrangements that harmoniously combined ethnic identity with modern symphonic art.
 |
| The Vietnam promotion booth attracted a large number of visitors. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria) |
Beyond a mere concert, the program vividly demonstrated the connecting power of culture. Under the baton of Conductor Le Phi Phi, Vietnamese and North Macedonian artists created a "dialogue" through music, helping bring Vietnam's image closer to the local audience.
Through the universal language of art, the program conveyed a message of harmony, respect for differences, and the aspiration to connect among nations, while also deepening the friendship between Vietnam and North Macedonia.
 |
| Vietnam tourism photo exhibition at the event. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria) |
Besides cultural and artistic activities, the Vietnamese culinary space also attracted a large number of attendees. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy signature dishes and drinks such as fried spring rolls, banh mi, coconut water, lemon tea, and iced milk coffee. The culinary space not only offered a taste experience but also created an opportunity for exchange, helping the local audience better understand Vietnamese culture and hospitality traditions.
The success of "Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026" continues to affirm the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting the country's image, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing mutual understanding. Through music, exhibitions, cuisine, and exchange activities, the event spread the image of a Vietnam rich in tradition, modern, dynamic, and friendly to the North Macedonian public and international friends.
(Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria, concurrently accredited to North Macedonia)
