AsemconnectVietnam -  Belgian culture will be brought closer to Hanoians through the event “A Touch of Belgium” to be held by the Belgian Embassy at the Ly Thai To Statue Garden on May 12 to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

An array of cultural activities will take place at the event.

Eleven members of the Brussels-based Majoretteketet will perform some of their most well-known parades three times around Hoan Kiem Lake from 2pm to 4pm. They will also have performances on stage from 5.15pm to 6pm with the Pinky Cheerleading Squad of Vietnamese students from Foreign Trade University and Hanoi Be Singer Club.

Majorettes are dancers whose performance balances between dance and street theatre. Their choreographed dances are shown in public spaces and use influences of folk dancing, accompanied by a marching band.

Coming to the event, people will be greeted by the beloved Smurfs – who are celebrating their 60th birthday this year. The Smurfs were created by the Belgian illustrator Pierre Culliford in 1958, and have since conquered the world of animation.

During the event three classic Smurf cartoons will be screened in English with Vietnamese subtitles from 2pm to 4pm on the main stage. Other Smurf-related activities like colouring and drawing will take place. 

The Smurf’s presence is being organised in collaboration with Wallonie-Bruxelles International, who are simultaneously hosting the Heritage Exhibition on The Smurfs at the Imperial Citadel, on 19 Hoang Dieu Street.

The Hanoi Brass Band will perform from 6pm to 6.30pm, followed by a 20-minute performance called Exploring Connections, executed by talented Belgian dancer and choreographer Nick Coutsier, together with dancers of Hanoi-based Kinergie Studio.

Activities for children such as gardening, art and crafts will be offered at the event.

Belgian treats will also be available, including crispy fries, sweet chocolate, fluffy waffles coupled with ice-cream, refreshments and ice cold beer which any Belgian cultural undertaking would not be complete without.

Source:VNA