HÀ NỘI — For the first time ever, Hanoians will experience Europe Village - a unique cultural entertainment event that will showcase the richness of European cultures in fields ranging from the arts to culinary traditions to lifestyle at the Lý Thái Tổ Statue Garden by Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

The event is held by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to mark Europe Day, which falls on May 9. Europe Village will be a highlight of Europe Days 2018, a three-day festival offering about 30 on-stage and off-stage activities, ranging from concerts, sports, cultural performances and fashion shows to creative games for kids and educationally enriching activities. The festivities begin on May 4.

"Offering a wide range of spectacular events for the first time ever in Việt Nam, we hope that Europe Days 2018 will cater an exceptional occasion, continuing to attract many people across the spectrum of Vietnamese society," said Head of Delegation Ambassador Bruno Angelet at a press conference to discuss Europe Days.

Visitors to the Europe Village will also have chance to experience a true European atmosphere at countries’ booths where special presentations, interactive activities and attractive decorations are set up.

Bound to boogie: Folk dance troupe Neptune from Poland will perform from 6pm to 7pm on May 5 and from 1pm to 2pm on stage on May 6.

Visitors can enjoy a culinary voyage through booths set up by European companies ready to cater to a wide range of food and beverage preferences.

A special concert will be held on May 11 and 13 at the Hà Nội Opera House and HCM Municipal Opera House featuring a programme of romantic music by European composers including Mozart, Chopin and Beethoven. These composers are some of the greatest in history and their contributions continue to enrich our musical traditions today.

Established Vietnamese violinist Bùi Công Duy will perform at the concert. He has won several awards including the first prize and golden medal of the 3rd International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in Saint Peterburg.

The diversity of European culture will be showcased in a new publication entitled European Cultural Heritage. The EU has designated this year the European Year of Cultural Heritage with the slogan "Our Heritage: Where the Past Meets the Future". 

Excited to stroll: De Steltenlopers stiltwalking group from Belgium will perform from 7.30pm to 8pm on May 4 and 2.30 to 3pm on May 4 on Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street. Photo courtesy of EU

The European Book Days 2018 will be held for the eighth time in Hà Nội and for the third time in HCM City. This vivid book festival, with contributions from 10 European countries, will be full of activities for book lovers including book presentations, readings, workshops, exhibitions, films, a quiz game, prizes and big discounts on European books.

In Hà Nội, all events will take place at the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Goethe-Institute, L’Espace, Casa Italia and European Village, while HCM City events will be at the Culture Café Salon Saturday, General Sciences Library or on Book Street.

People can find the full schedule on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EUandVietnam/. — VNS