The Brechtfestival 2025, held early March in Bavaria, Germany, showcased Vietnamese culture and left lasting impressions on attendees and local media. This vibrant festival featured a Vietnamese múa sạp competition, which drew enthusiastic participation and widespread interest, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany. Organized by Tạp chí Hương Việt, in partnership with Hội Việt - Đức Schwaben and Hội người Việt Nam tại Freising, the festival was not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a platform for international exchange.
Local media reported on the traditional Vietnamese múa sạp dance, emphasizing its significant role within the festivities. The dance, which involves eight participants skillfully maneuvering around bamboo sticks, created a lively atmosphere and allowed the audience to immerse themselves directly in Vietnam's rich cultural traditions. Surprisingly nuanced, the performance appeared simple yet required intense focus and coordination.
Among the competitors, Nicole Asmus stood out by winning the special prize, alongside her captivating presentation of eight folk dances, including the beloved múa sạp. Her prize consisted of 5,000 euros (approximately 5,456 USD), showcasing the high regard for cultural performances at the event.
Beyond the dance competition, the Brechtfestival also included various stage performances such as the múa nón (hat dance), múa bông sen (lotus dance), and displays of the traditional áo dài (long dress), which highlighted Vietnam's diverse artistic expressions. Attendees not only enjoyed these performances but were also treated to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, featuring traditional dishes highly praised by those present.
Further enriching the festival's atmosphere, images of Vietnam's map, including the contested Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa islands, were prominently displayed. This gesture underscored Vietnam's sovereignty and served as an educational moment for international friends about the country's cultural and historical narratives.
The Brechtfestival is more than just an event limited to Vietnamese culture; it is part of Augsburg’s cultural fabric, accommodating 15 different cultural communities and celebrating its diversity. With over 400 participants representing various associations, the festival has grown to become emblematic of artistic and cultural collaboration among diverse groups.
Reflecting on the event, attending officials noted the significance of arts and culture as pivotal elements for building bridges between communities. The recognition of cultural forms like the múa sạp can enlighten others about the nuances and depth of Vietnam's heritage. The festival's enthusiastic reception by local German media positioned it as not only informative but also as deeply engaging, generating interest and curiosity among attendees.
Through such cultural showcases, both countries can nurture their growing relationship laid upon shared experiences and mutual respect. The Brechtfestival 2025 constituted another step forward, reinforcing the bonds developed over the last 50 years of diplomatic interactions between Vietnam and Germany.
Overall, the festival successfully demonstrated the power of cultural expression to connect diverse communities and promote mutual appreciation. By marrying intense performances with captivating traditional cuisine, the Brechtfestival left attendees with cherished memories and greater knowledge about Vietnamese culture.