Traditional attire parades in Europe offer glimpse into Vietnamese tradition

THE HANOI TIMES — Grand cultural parades in London (United Kingdom) and Lorient (France) this July showcased the vibrant colors and intricate designs of Vietnamese traditional clothing, known as Viet Phuc, captivating audiences.

During the "Viet Phuc Bo Hanh" parade in London, the vibrancy of the participants donning traditional Vietnamese clothing, such as ao dai, ao yem, and ao tu than, as well as contemporary designs, highlighted Vietnam's heritage.

The parade passed by landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye.

The event, organized by the Association of Vietnamese Women and Children in the UK, marked the second in a series of cultural activities planned for 2025. Following a successful debut in April at St. Paul's, upcoming parades are planned for September at Battersea Power Station and the Palace of Westminster.

"Wearing the ao dai with Vietnam’s red and golden star flag at Trafalgar Square was a moment of immense pride," Hoa Mai, a Vietnamese woman living in London, told The Hanoi Times.

"Viet Phuc" is a term that refers to the traditional attire of the Vietnamese people, which includes various types of clothing, accessories, not just the ao dai. It encompasses both imperial and folk costumes, reflecting the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture throughout historical periods.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Festival Vietnam in Lorient took place from July 2 to 6, organized by Lorient City Hall in collaboration with Art Space, Vietnam Bretagne Sud, and Appel Lorient. The festival featured film screenings, traditional and contemporary performances, and cultural workshops.

Over 100 participants, including Vietnamese youth from 14 countries and French locals, paraded in historical Viet Phuc and ao dai variants at Place Glotin in Lorient. Nearly 100 costumes were shipped from Vietnam by designers such as Hoa Nghiem Viet Phuc, Dong Phong, and Gau Beo.

The festival was part of the intercultural project Toucher Arts and was led by nearly 50 Vietnamese youth, aged 13 to 17, from European countries and Vietnam.

Additionally, through workshops and documentaries, the youth shared stories about their homeland's heritage and their efforts to preserve its authenticity and creativity while also connecting it with modernity.

“Festival Vietnam has beautifully showcased Vietnamese culture in our city, strengthening the bonds of friendship between France and Vietnam,” said Fabrice Loher, Lorient’s Mayor.

These parades showcased not only Vietnamese identity and resilience but also proved that Vietnamese culture thrives wherever its people carry it.

As Hoang Ha, a Viet Phuc parade organizer in London, put it, “Seeing generations unite in traditional attire in the heart of London strengthens our love for our homeland abroad.”