Under the framework of the “Welcome Spring 2011” programme, the Union of Vietnamese Students in France (UEVF) held an awarding ceremony to honour outstanding Vietnamese students in France on February 12.

Additionally, the UEVF also host a beauty contest for Vietnamese students and the winner was Vo Hong Quan, a 20-year-old music student from Vitry-sur-Sein Conservatory.

An exhibition entitled “Ethnic Groups in Northern Vietnam” by photographer Gégard Domise, Deputy Chairman of Touraine-Vietnam Association opened, on the occasion of Tet.

On display were 50 photos highlighting unique cultural traits of ethnic groups and beautiful landscapes in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.

On February 13, the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France held a special Tet (Lunar New Year) programe for the Vietnamese community in the country. The gala night included art shows by the second and third generations of Vietnamese in France and Vietnamese children from the Green Bamboo Association, as well as artists from Ho Chi Minh City.

The president of the Green Bamboo Association, Henri Cuve, who was born in Vietnam, said the gala was of great significance to him.

“This event helps us to introduce Vietnamese culture, and boost cultural exchange between the Vietnamese and French… In the time to come, my association will continue to expand activities of this kind.”

Artist Claura Nguyen, a Vietnamese living in France, said she was moved to enjoy Vietnam’s traditional art and cultural shows during Tet. She added that every year, she often observes Tet by joining her friends to watch lion dances.