HÀ NỘI — Belgian fries, crepes with maple syrup and chocolate are delicacies to be served during the celebrations for International Francophone Day on March 15-16 in Hà Nội.

A wide range of cultural activities including cuisine, art and music will be held with the theme of Francophone Colours, according to Anne Lange, head of mission of Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Việt Nam and president of the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations and Institutions in Việt Nam (GADIF).

GADIF and the International Organisation of la Francophonie (OIF) hosted a press conference yesterday to announce the programme.

This year, the celebration will take place under the slogan “Speaking in French, please”. It will take place at Lý Thái Tổ Square besides Hoàn Kiếm Lake and entrance is free.

“Since 1970, International Francophone Day has been celebrated worldwide each year to express Francophones’ attachment to the French language, to affirm solidarity and harmony in respect of differences,” said Lange.

“This year, we want to convey a modern image of our shared language and reflect its vitality in all areas.”

The official ceremony will be held on March 15 in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hà Nội leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and educational organisations.

On the next day, the park will play host to a festival with 60 booths of embassies and institutions from French-speaking countries, French-language educational institutions (universities, high schools, colleges and schools), and institutional and commercial partners.

Delegations from various countries will showcase their culture, tourism and cuisine, including France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Wallonie-Bruxelles, Monaco, Greece, Morocco, Mexico, Egypt, Poland, Romania, Qatar, and Haiti.

They will provide delicacies, games and art performances. Many gifts will be available for participants and visitors.

Various troupes will perform during the day such as the Việt Nam Puppetry Theatre, Webster band from Canada, La Belle et la Bete band from France, and troupes from French-language educational institutions in Hà Nội.

Celebrations will also take place in HCM City, Cần Thơ and Huế. — VNS