Vietnam left a strong impression at the Embassy Festival in The Hague of the Netherlands on September 6, where art and fashion performances by the Vietnamese community showcased a nation that is both traditional and modern, graceful yet powerful.

Visitors line up to enjoy "Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at the festival.

The annual Embassy Festival drew tens of thousands worldwide to celebrate cultural diversity. Its 13th edition, featuring nearly 50 embassies under the theme “Honouring unity, heritage and cultural diversity,” underscored culture’s power to connect people, foster harmony, and open doors to understanding.

Embassies showcased food, crafts, and performances that turned the historic Lange Voorhout into a lively “global village,” where melodies, colours, and flavours from around the world blended in the joy of cultural exchange.

Amid music and graceful dances, international audiences glimpsed a Vietnam that is both strong and gentle, traditional yet modern - an image that stirred emotions and inspired curiosity about the S-shaped country.

The performances not only showcased artistic beauty but also stirred deep emotions within the Vietnamese community abroad.

Ngo Thi Bich Ngoc, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Association in the Netherlands, emphasised that art is a bridge connecting Vietnam with the world, and a bond linking the community and generations, nurturing love for the homeland among the youth.

If the stage showcased Vietnam’s pride, the food stalls brought the homeland’s flavours to international friends. The Vietnamese Trade Office’s booth featured specialties such as fruits and coffee, which all imported via Rotterdam and distributed across Europe, affirming Vietnamese products' growing place in the global market.

The Vietnamese community’s strong presence at the event highlighted their commitment to preserving and promoting national cultural identity abroad. They shared the story of a resilient, proud, and diverse nation - one that integrates without losing its roots, stepping confidently onto the path of globalisation.

The Hague - renowned for its international institutions dedicated to peace, justice, and fairness - is an ideal setting for Vietnam to connect with the world. At this year’s festival, Vietnam truly shone, not only through its cultural colours but also through its spirit, aspirations, and national pride.

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