The program features family and children-oriented activities, information about Belgian-funded projects in Vietnam, beloved Belgian culinary products and showcases the best of what Belgian contemporary culture has to offer.

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Eleven members of the Brussels-based Majoretteketet will perform some of their most well-known parades during the “A Touch of Belgium”. (Photo: Belgian Embassy)

2018 also marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of the “Smurfs”, the comic strip with blue characters originally created by Belgian painter Pierre Culliford (also known as Peyo) in 1958. Since then, these characters have managed to conquer the world of animation and, of particular interest to their fans, at the event 3 classic Smurf cartoons will be screened in English with Vietnamese subtitles.

To showcase Belgian more contemporary culture, “A Touch of Belgium” will feature dance performances and live music, of which most notably, “Majoretteketet-Bruxelles”, a troop of 11 majorettes (or parade girls), will march in complex coordinated movements around the area of Ly Thai To square accompanied by a vibrant and upbeat live marching band: the Hanoi Brass Band.

Talented Belgian dancer and choreographer Nick Coutsier, together with the dancers of Kinergie Studio, will showcase their contemporary dance in a 20–minute performance called “Exploring Connections.” The event will also see the participation of famous DJs from the two countries.

In addition, development organizations funded by the Belgian government have come together to present their projects and to inform the public about their efforts in Vietnam to date. They will offer more activities for children such as gardening, arts, crafts, and so on.

Bilateral relations between Belgium and Vietnam have been developing over the past 45 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973.

Translated by Lam Anh