Speaking at a press conference held in Hanoi on May 4 to announce the programme, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) Ambassador Bruno Angelet expressed noted that EU-Vietnam relations have comprehensively developed in all fields including economics, politics and cultural exchanges.
He stressed that the programme is not only an opportunity to commemorate past achievements in the bilateral relations, but also to inspire partnerships beyond the borders of Europe.
The programme, jointly held by the Delegation of the European Union (EU), the Embassy of the EU Member States and the European Cultural Institutes, will take place in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
The programme is set to offer a combination of music, cinema, sport, gastronomy, science and innovation.
A prominent event is the Europe Days concert in Hanoi, entitled "Europe Meets Asia in Jazz". The concert will feature internationally renowned and Vietnamese jazz performers, including singer Michael Schiefel from Germany, Italian percussionist Davide Pasqualini, Polish guitarist Gabriel Niedziela, Vietnamese saxophonist Nguyen Bao Long and pianist Nguyen Huu Vuong.
The musical scene of the “Europe Days 2016” will be enriched by a staging of the world famous opera "Magic Flute" in its full length and original language for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City.
The annual European Film Festival promises to delight Vietnamese spectators with 13 inspiring films, ranging from drama and comedy to thriller.
Vietnamese readers will have chances to enjoy new books at the European Literature event in Hanoi and for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to the presentation of the books, there will be other opportunities for readers to meet authors, listen to talks and readings, or register for workshops on creative writing.
The annual European Food Festival will come back on 14 May, offering authentic European cuisine, and cooking demonstrations by chefs from leading European hotels and restaurants in Hanoi.
The EU Delegation will also run a 5-day long online ‘Euro 2016 Quiz’ on its Facebook fan-page https://www.facebook.com/EUandVietnam to kick-off Euro Cup 2016 in France. The three main prizes consist of a trip to France including a two-way ticket to Paris, accommodation and, last but not least, a ticket to the final match of Euro 2016.
Since launching in Vietnam 12 years ago, the "Europe Days" program has seen resounding success and growing public attention, establishing itself as a prominent feature in the Vietnamese cultural calendar.
