"Ao dai" shines at a night celebrating Vietnamese culture in Europe
The final round of the “Mrs Ao Dai Europe 2026” pageant
The Final Round of Mrs. Ao dai Europe 2026 attracted strong interest from the Vietnamese community and international friends, creating an evening rich in Vietnamese cultural colours in the heart of Europe.
Recently, in the elegant setting of the municipal theatre in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, the Final Round of Mrs. Ao dai Europe 2026 took place before a large audience of overseas Vietnamese and international guests, creating a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture in Europe.
The event was part of the Vietnamese Culture, Cuisine and Ao dai Festival in the Czech Republic and brought together 22 contestants from various European countries.
More than a beauty pageant, the competition aimed to honour the beauty, intelligence and confidence of Vietnamese women living abroad while preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. At its centre was the ao dai, the iconic symbol of Vietnamese elegance and identity, which continues to flourish within Vietnamese communities across Europe.
A highlight of the programme was the presence of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Together with former Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam, and leaders of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, he visited Vietnamese cultural and culinary exhibition booths, demonstrating interest in the Vietnamese community and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam, accompanied by their spouses, pose for photographs at one of the exhibition booths before the final round of Mrs. Europe 2026. (Photo: Viet Thang/VNA)
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam emphasised that the competition was not only a platform celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese women but also a cultural bridge that strengthens friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Viet Nam and the Czech Republic. He noted that the ao dai represents beauty, resilience and Vietnamese identity, values preserved through generations.
The Ambassador also highlighted that over the years, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic has become an important bridge connecting the peoples and cultures of the two countries.
Through hard work, successful integration and respect for local values, the Vietnamese community has made significant contributions to the host country's economic, cultural and social life.
He expressed confidence that events such as this would continue to foster connections among communities, promote cultural diversity, mutual respect and solidarity both within the region and globally.
The Prime Minister visits Vietnamese cultural and culinary exhibition booths, demonstrating his interest in the local Vietnamese community and cultural exchanges between the two countries. (Photo: Viet Thang/VNA)
Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam thanked local authorities, organisers, artists, volunteers and contestants for helping create a meaningful event. According to him, the contestants were not only shining on stage but also serving as cultural ambassadors, bringing the image of Viet Nam and the ao dai closer to international audiences.
Representing local authorities, Karlovy Vary Regional Governor Petr Kubis praised the decision to host the event in the city, describing it as evidence of harmonious coexistence among different communities.
According to him, the local Vietnamese community has made positive contributions and become an important bridge in Czech-Vietnamese relations, while also contributing to the region's socio-economic development.
Karlovy Vary is home to more than 7,000 Vietnamese residents among a total population of approximately 250,000. Cultural exchange activities such as this competition help strengthen mutual understanding and community cohesion.
In his congratulatory remarks, Hoang Đinh Thang, Member of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and President of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, recognised the organisers' efforts in maintaining cultural activities rich in national identity that help unite the Vietnamese community and promote the image of Viet Nam and its people internationally.
He affirmed that the Viet Nam Fatherland Front always stands alongside overseas Vietnamese as part of the great national unity bloc.
The final night opened with an ao dai performance themed "Towards the South", followed by evening gown and talent competitions.
The Organising Committee presented special awards including Miss Media, Miss Talent, Miss Congeniality and Most Popular Married Woman, while also announcing five Humanitarian Ambassador titles and nine additional awards.
From the preliminary round, judges selected a Top 16 before narrowing the field to the Top 8 contestants who advanced to the question-and-answer segment, which determined the highest titles.
Mrs. Áo Dài Europe 2026 (under-44 category), Nguyen Thuong Thuy (Contestant No. 45) from Finland, receives the crown. (Photo: Viet Thang/VNA)
In the final results, two prestigious crowns were awarded to Nguyen Thuong Thuy of Finland in the under-44 category and Vu Ngan Ha of the Czech Republic in the over-45 category.
First Runner-up titles went to Vu ThiThu Huye (United Kingdom) in the under-44 category and Vu Thi Thuy Hang (France) in the over-45 category. Second Runner-up titles were awarded to Nguyen Thi Hong Van (Netherlands) in the under-44 category and Phan Thi Thanh Huyen (Czech Republic) in the over-45 category.
As the evening concluded amid the sparkling atmosphere of the renowned spa city of Karlovy Vary, flowing ao dai designs continued to create memorable moments, blending Vietnamese tradition with the rhythms of modern Europe.
The event not only celebrated the beauty of Vietnamese women but also strengthened the bridge of friendship between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic while promoting Vietnamese cultural values to the international community.
