On June 1, the first Armenian fair was held in Belgium with the joint efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia and the Municipality of the Ixelles District of Brussels.
Bruggemann Square was filled with the aroma of Armenian cuisine, as well as traditional dances and music. The 15 pavilions that opened represented the culture and art of Armenia and the Diaspora, Armenian cuisine, and a wide range of Armenian products.
Ambassador Balayan delivered the opening speech at the event, expressing gratitude to the Mayor of Ixelles, Romain De Reusme, the Belgian-Armenian Chamber of Commerce, BelgiaHay Radio, and all participants for their support, collaboration, and dedication.
The Ambassador noted that the choice of location for the event was not accidental: Ixelles is home to the Armenian church, the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide, as well as the first building of the Embassy of Armenia in Belgium. The Ambassador added that the event is exceptional both in terms of organization and the level of engagement, and announced that the fair is intended to become an annual event.
The Armenian fair was visited by numerous ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and other EU institutions, Belgian parliamentarians and high-ranking government officials, distinguished media representatives, as well as many Belgian citizens and prominent members of the Armenian Diaspora.
The event was accompanied by musical performances and dance acts by talented members of the Armenian community and the “Nemrut” traditional song and dance ensemble, further enhancing the beauty of the day.
