Opening of the "Azulejo Portuguese Ceramics" Exhibition

HANU - In Portugal, a distinctive cultural feature that impresses in architecture and urban design is the exquisitely patterned ceramic tiles called Azulejo. The name "Azulejo" originates from Greek, meaning "small polished stone." Initially, Azulejo tiles featured simple artistic designs in neutral colors. Today, Azulejo tiles are decorated with more elaborate patterns and vibrant colors such as gold, green, red, and orange. Azulejo tiles are over 500 years old and have become a traditional artistic element in Portugal, appearing everywhere from churches and private homes to public benches and fountains.

Within the framework On the afternoon of May 4th, 2023, the opening ceremony of the "Portuguese-Speaking Countries Culture Week 2023" exhibition on ceramic art, "Azulejo Portugal" – Timeless Stories from Blue Ceramic Pieces, took place in the lobby on the 5th floor of Building C, Hanoi University. Attendees included Mr. Leonardo Pene – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mozambique to Vietnam, Ms. Elda Maria Alvarez – Counselor of the Federal Republic of Brazil to Vietnam, Mr. Felix Sapolo – Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Angola to Vietnam, Mr. Gregorio Neno Abi – Education Attaché of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste to Vietnam, and writer and poet Abreu Paxe. Representing Hanoi University were Vice Rector Luong Ngoc Minh, faculty members representing various departments, faculties, and units throughout the university, and faculty and students from the Portuguese Department.

In his opening remarks at the exhibition, Mr. Pedro Sebastião – Coordinator of the Camões Portuguese Language Center at Hanoi University – shared: The exhibition program was designed by the National Museum of Azulejo in collaboration with the Camões Institute. The exhibition aims to promote Azulejo – one of the most precious artifacts in Portugal's heritage. Through the exhibition, viewers can visualize a long journey across space and time that has shaped Portugal's identity, as traditional Azulejo has been upgraded in technique, color, form, theme, and application, becoming an indelible mark on Portuguese culture. Azulejo connects with the contemporary world in a unique way, giving those who appreciate this art form a rich and diverse experience.

The "Azulejo of Portugal" pottery exhibition will take place from May 4th to 17th, 2023, in the lobby of the 5th floor, Building C, Hanoi University. In the afternoon of the same day, there will also be a program titled "Exploring Angolan Literature with the writer and poet Abreu Paxe" and a screening of a Brazilian film.

Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, the third most spoken in the West, and the most spoken in the Southern Hemisphere. At its 40th General Assembly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared May 5th as World Portuguese Language Day.

Here are some photos from the event: