On May 10, 2025, the heart of Europe, Brussels, opened its doors to thousands of locals, tourists, and members of the international community during the annual "Open Day" event at the headquarters of the European Union (EU). This year, Vietnam held a special place as the guest of honor of the European External Action Service (EEAS), marking 35 years of diplomatic relations with the EU.
Visitors flocked to the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council, eager to explore the workings of these key institutions. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with interactive games and opportunities to learn about the EU's power structure. However, it was Vietnam's cultural showcase that truly captivated the audience.
As the first notes of the song "Vietnam que huong toi" (Vietnam, My Homeland) filled the air, a wave of emotion surged through the hearts of Vietnamese attendees in Brussels. This beloved melody acted as an invisible thread, connecting the expatriates to their roots and evoking memories of lush rice fields, winding rivers, and sweet lullabies from their mothers.
The performance by the Club of Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage was a highlight of the day. Dressed in flowing Ao Dai, the performers elegantly glided across the stage, capturing the attention of an enthralled European audience. The sight of a gentle Kinh Bac woman in her traditional attire, paired with a dapper Western gentleman, illustrated a poignant East-West fusion that resonated deeply.
Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the EEAS, expressed her admiration for the Ao Dai performance, stating, "Vietnam is a special guest this year, celebrating 35 years of bilateral relations. The Ao Dai presentation was truly impressive, very well-received by the public, and sparked further curiosity and interest in Vietnamese culture among Europeans."
Following the graceful opening, the audience was treated to a different kind of spectacle. A Thuy Phap martial arts performance, set to the tune of the popular song "Bac Bling," showcased the strength hidden behind the art's fluidity. This unique martial art, with movements that mimicked the gentleness of water, captivated viewers with its dynamic choreography.
Female and male martial artists from Belgium and France brought to life the spirit of Eastern philosophy and martial valor through their captivating performances. They executed intricate routines that flowed like drifting clouds, demonstrating both grace and explosive energy, while narrating ancient legends such as the tale of Ho Guom, where King Le returned the sacred sword to the golden turtle.
In that moment, Thuy Phap transcended mere technique; it became a language of culture, a distinctive art form conveying Vietnam's rich history and profound philosophical insights.
The atmosphere of the Open Day grew even more poignant as visitors stopped by the Vietnamese calligraphy booth, marked by the bright red and yellow flag. There, Jean-Sébastien Gill, a Frenchman enamored with Vietnamese culture, enthusiastically demonstrated traditional calligraphy, crafting letters that resonated with the essence of Vietnam.
Tourists eagerly lined up, excited to receive beautifully penned characters such as "An khang" (peace and prosperity) and "Phuc" (blessing), accompanied by warm explanations in French and English. This interaction opened a small window into the rich spiritual world of the Vietnamese people.
Francesca Colotta, an Italian tourist who had previously visited Vietnam, was touched when she received the character "An khang." She shared with a reporter, "This is a gift of great spiritual value. I will hang it in my home to always remember Vietnam, its friendly people, and its wonderful culture."
Even young foreign children were drawn to the booth, eagerly waiting for Jean to gift them characters. He gently guided them in writing calligraphy, helping them take home a unique memory, a taste of the East amid the heart of Europe.
Borgat Romain, a Frenchman living in Brussels, expressed his surprise and delight during his family’s visit to the Vietnamese booth. He remarked, "This is the first time I’ve seen a booth like this about Vietnam. We know about your country, but we haven't truly understood your culture. From what I witnessed today, I believe Vietnam is a diverse, profound country that is definitely worth exploring."
This year’s EU Open Day was not only an opportunity for the public to discover the workings of the EU's powerful institutions but also a chance for them to uncover distant yet familiar cultural values. From Brussels, Vietnam left a deep impression on its international friends, showcasing a nation that is both traditional and modern, always ready to integrate and share its rich cultural identity.
