[VOVWORLD] - Turning 15 is an important milestone for many young people in Norway. It is a time of growing up, becoming more independent, and celebrating a new stage of life. In this edition of Culture Rendezvous, we take a closer look at this Norwegian coming-of-age tradition through the story of a Norwegian family of Vietnamese origin.

[VOVWORLD] - Mitate is a Japanese aesthetic concept that means "to see as" – using one familiar object, material, or idea to suggest an entirely different one through imagination. Mitate encourages people to see beyond the surface of things to discover new connections and deeper meanings. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, we’ll explore how mitate shapes Japanese art, gardens, and cuisine.

[VOVWORLD] - Every July 16, the seaside pilgrim town of Puri, in India’s Odisha state, transforms into a sea of devotion as hundreds of thousands gather for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the Festival of Chariots. This grand Hindu festival, one of the most important events for Hindi Indians began thousands of years ago in Puri to honor Lord Jagannath (the Lord of the Universe), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.

[VOVWORLD] - For many Mexicans living abroad, finding a meal that truly tastes like home can be surprisingly difficult. Overseas, traditional recipes are often adapted to local tastes, creating versions that may be popular but feel unfamiliar to those who grew up with them. In Vietnam, however, a growing number of restaurants are working to change that, guided by a certification known as Sello M, a mark of authentic Mexican cuisine.

[VOVWORLD] - For millions around the globe, football is a game of numbers, tactics, and trophies. But to Mexican author Juan Villoro, football is a mirror reflecting the deepest illusions, psychological complexes, and cultural tapestries of a society. During a recent exchange with students and lecturers at Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Villoro shared his unique literary view of “the King of Sports”. His novel “The Wild Book” takes young Vietnamese readers on a journey to discover Mexico.

[VOVWORLD] - When the term "Halal" is invoked globally, it is most frequently understood as purely religious dietary restrictions observed by Muslims worldwide. But insights from top Pakistani culinary and diplomatic experts reveal a profound paradigm shift. From Pakistan’s perspective, Halal has evolved far beyond a basic spiritual obligation. Today, it is a rigorous national standard of quality, a standard of hygiene, and a massive engine driving international trade and culinary diplomacy.

[VOVWORLD] - Spain’s musical tradition sits at the intersection of earthy folk music and the sophisticated structure of Western classical music. To celebrate the 150th birthday of legendary Spanish composer and pianist Manuel de Falla, Spanish cellist Lorenzo Meseguer last week performed in Hanoi, featuring works by Falla and some other composers. He will now talk with us about “the Spanish sound”.

[VOVWORLD] - If there's a type of food that can truly capture the taste buds, and the centuries-old dining culture of Spain, it has to be tapas. These small, delightful bites, often enjoyed alongside a drink, are so deeply woven into everyday life that they even come with their own verb - tapear. Today on Cultural Rendezvous, let’s take a closer look at this Spanish delicacy with Marcel Ruiz, a marketing student from Barcelona.

[VOVWORLD] - Just as the Vietnamese people have their beloved bun cha and pho stalls, Mexicans have their iconic puesto de tacos, or taco carts. These stands are part of the community and neighborhood. Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam, Alejandro Negrín, and Octavio Muñoz, co-founder of NacoTaco, an authentic Mexican restaurant right here in Hanoi, together will tell us more of what is perhaps the most famous —yet most misunderstood—food in the world: the taco.

[VOVWORLD] - The Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam held a Pakistani Day celebration on Wednesday at the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, drawing a large number of students and faculty members.