Paris (VNA) –The third Vietnam Festival in Lorient, France, has concluded with a vibrant art performance titled “Brilliant Vietnam”, leaving a deep impression on local audiences.
Organised by the Lorient City Hall in collaboration with Vietnamese and French cultural associations, the week-long festival featured a range of activities introducing Vietnamese culture to the French public, from film screenings, traditional and contemporary performances, cultural parades, and workshops to exhibitions and musical showcases.
A highlight was a large-scale parade at Glotin Square, where over 100 participants, including international students and Vietnamese in France, showcased traditional costumes from Vietnam's Ly, Tran and Nguyen dynasties, and ao dai (traditional long dress). The event aimed to raise awareness about Vietnamese ao dai and promote its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
A thematic seminar titled “Tales of Ao Dai: Heritage and Identity” offered insights into Vietnam’s historical attire, attracting great interest from French attendees.
An art exhibition featuring 150 paintings on Vietnamese heritage by children from 17 countries, along with interactive workshops and culinary photo displays using augmented reality, helped further engage the public.
The closing performance brought together over 50 professional and amateur artists, blending folk and modern elements to celebrate Vietnam’s cultural richness. Artists from the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Paris also contributed with traditional bamboo musical instrument performances.
Local authorities and residents praised the event’s youthful, creative spirit. Lorient Mayor Fabrice Loher expressed appreciation for the festival’s role in enhancing France–Vietnam friendship and bringing Vietnamese culture closer to the French public.
The festival attracted thousands of visitors of all ages from Lorient and neighboring areas, leaving lasting impressions of a dynamic and inclusive cultural exchange./.
