Ho Chi Minh City city celebrated Francophonie Day featuring fun activites on April 11, 2026 (Institut Français Vietnam)
Francophonie Day 2026 was officially launched on April 11 at Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai High School in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a range of educational and cultural activities designed to introduce local students more closely to the global Francophone community. The event brought together pupils, educators, and representatives from diplomatic and cultural institutions to celebrate the diversity and influence of the French-speaking world.
Titled “En Fête”, or could be translated as “Celebrating”, the event was jointly organised by the Embassy of France in Vietnam, the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and the French Institute in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training and several partner organisations.
The event features a variety of activities aimed at introducing students to different aspects of Francophone culture and education. These include exhibitions, short film screenings, and information booths hosted by Francophone schools, universities, and institutions, allowing participants to explore academic opportunities and cultural initiatives linked to the French-speaking world.
In addition, the event offers recreational activities for younger participants, including games and sports sessions designed for children. A culinary area has also been set up, presenting a selection of Francophone and international dishes to highlight the diversity of flavours found across French-speaking regions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the French Consul General Etienne Ranaivoson highlighted the global significance of French, noting that the language is spoken by around 400 million people worldwide. He described it as a bridge that links cultures, generations, and nations across continents.
Moreover, Nguyễn Bảo Quốc, deputy director of HCM City Department of Education and Training stated that Francophonie Day 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City represents a significant occasion to honour the French language and its cultural heritage, while also recognising the presence and contributions of Francophone and Francophile communities in the city.
Vietnam has been a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie since 1971. Today, the country is estimated to have around 693,000 French speakers, reflecting the continued presence of the language within its education system and cultural landscape.
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