Vietnamese culture took center stage at "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia," leaving a lasting impact on audiences with its heritage and hospitality.
The 2024 "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia" was an emotional journey showcasing the beauty and depth of Vietnamese culture, resonating with a diverse international audience.Under the theme "Converging a Thousand Years of Cultural Essence – Rising in an Era of Prosperity," the event highlighted Vietnam’s unique cultural identity and its aspiration for global integration and development.A photo exhibition commemorating 25 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia drew visitors into a visual narrative of the nations' enduring friendship. It also showcased Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, offering glimpses of the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich intangible cultural treasures.The lacquer art booth captivated attendees with its intricate craftsmanship, with artist Tran Anh Tuan demonstrating traditional techniques such as gold leaf application and painting distinctive lacquer layers. Meanwhile, the Đông Hồ folk painting and Tò he figurine booths became emotional cultural exchanges. Saudi children marveled at the handcrafted clay figurines, especially those shaped like camels, skillfully molded by artisan Dang Dinh Thuong.Vietnamese cuisine emerged as a standout feature, enchanting guests with dishes like pho, spring rolls, bánh cuốn, and chè ba màu.Sebastian Kawka, a Finnish lawyer in Riyadh, shared his admiration: "The flavors are exquisite and reflect the warmth and hospitality of Vietnam." Nguyen Tung Lam, a Vietnamese engineer in Saudi Arabia, expressed pride in the authentic taste of nem rán.The event attracted not only Saudi locals but also the Vietnamese expatriate community and international attendees. Canadian singer Anne Sophie Hoffman, who has a special connection to Vietnam, delivered a heartfelt rendition of Hello Vietnam. Diplomats and ambassadors, including representatives from Vietnam, China, and other nations, joined in to celebrate cultural unity.Muhammad Ali, a Saudi businessman, reflected, "I discovered a modern Vietnam that preserves its traditions - a journey I wish to explore further.""Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia" served as both a bridge connecting the two nations and an opportunity to elevate Vietnam’s cultural and international standing. The event left a lasting impression, symbolizing Vietnam's ambition to shine globally in a new era of prosperity and collaboration.
The Vietnam Day Abroad program is a national promotion initiative assigned by the Prime Minister and annually organized by the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010.
This year, the program is being held in Brazil and Saudi Arabia under the theme "Converging the Essence of Millennial Culture – Rising in an Era of Prosperity and Strength."
Vietnamnet.vn
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