On October 11, in the town of Voves in the Les Villages-Vovéens community, Eure-et-Loir department in central France, the Eure-et-Loir Committee of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV) organized “Vietnam Day,” an annual event to honor the friendship between the two peoples and promote Vietnamese culture to the French public.
According to a VNA reporter in France, with the theme "A day of discovery , culture, solidarity and festivals around Vietnam", the program attracted hundreds of local people, French friends who love Vietnam and representatives of the Vietnamese community from many regions of France.
The event opened with a dragon dance parade through the central streets and a Vietnamese martial arts performance by martial arts masters and students of the Son Long Quyen Thuat school, creating a bustling and joyful atmosphere.
In particular, the audience also enjoyed many special art performances such as the chorus "Memories in the homeland" by musician Hoang Van on the occasion of his collection being recognized as a World Documentary Heritage by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the dance "Youth" and the skit "Melody of the world in heaven" performed by the Homeland Choir Club.
The highlight of this year's "Vietnam Day" is the exhibition space with a photo reportage by photographer Gérard Memmi taken in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2025 and the collection "The Sea in the Heart of Vietnamese People" by photographer Nguyen My from Da Nang.
In addition, the book exhibition and signing booths of authors Nguyen Dac Nhu Mai, Lydie Delanoue, Tran Thu Dung, Étienne Egret, Gérard Memmi, Nguyen Quy Dao and Gilbert Tenèze also attracted a large audience.
According to the organizers, all revenue from sales of merchandise, food, and books will be donated to the fund to support victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, support Ms. Tran To Nga's legal battle against American chemical manufacturers, and help Vietnamese people in difficult circumstances.
Speaking to a VNA reporter in France, Mr. Gilbert Tenèze, Chairman of the AAVF Eure-et-Loir Committee, said that this committee was established 6 years ago and this is also the sixth time it has organized "Vietnam Day."
The aim is to help people in central France – known as the “food granary of France” – understand more about Vietnam, and at the same time help the Vietnamese community in France connect, share and be proud of their roots. He emphasized: “We are always here, by your side. The friendship between the two peoples is a precious, strong and loyal relationship.”
Photographer Gérard Memmi, author of the photo series “Vietnam - Joy and Memories” selected to be exhibited at the event, shared: “In 1975, when Saigon was liberated, I was in France. That was a happy moment for many French youths protesting against the war. This year, I want to witness Vietnam with my own eyes on the 50th anniversary of reunification. In the middle of Le Loi Street, I saw tens of thousands of people cheering, singing, and hugging each other in joy. I want to show the vitality and strong love for the country of the Vietnamese people. Many people told me: 'We forgive, but never forget'. That is the saying that inspired me to do this exhibition.”
For her part, Ms. Tran Thi Dung, President of the Vietnam Sea and Island Lovers Club in France, expressed: “We always look towards the sea and islands of the Fatherland. The photos of photographer Nguyen My, which were given to the Club, show the spirit of 'sticking to the sea to protect the country'. In hardship, Vietnamese people still smile and persevere in going out to sea. The sea is not only a beautiful scene, but also a source of life - a part of the Vietnamese soul.”
Ms. Tran Thi Dung said: “Many international friends say they admire Vietnam - a country with both forests and seas, always knowing how to preserve and protect both.
The tradition of Lac Long Quan - Au Co, one going up the mountain, one going down to the sea, is a symbol of love for nature and the will to protect the environment," he said, expressing his wish that there will be a university in Truong Sa so that after completing their mission, soldiers can learn a trade, start a business and continue to be attached to their homeland's sea and islands./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoa-nhip-van-hoa-gan-ket-tinh-huu-nghi-phap-viet-post1069779.vnp
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