Belgium: The Belgium Regional U-Tsang Association successfully organised a two-day Shoton Festival in the coastal city of Ostend, Belgium, from 26 to 27 July 2025. The event was graced by Chief Guest Dhundup Gyalpo, the Tibetan Liaison Officer for Europe, along with representatives from Belgium-based government and non-governmental organisations, members of the U-Tsang Cholkha in Belgium, and the wider Tibetan community residing in the country.

This year’s Shoton celebration saw the France Tibetan Lhamo Association (FTLA) formally invited to perform, marking a vibrant cultural exchange.

The festival opened with a performance of Tashi Shoelpa, an ancient Tibetan dance form, followed by a presentation showcasing traditional Tibetan attire from the U-Tsang province by young people from the Belgium U-Tsang community. The host association also contributed with various cultural performances, highlighting the rich heritage of Tibet.

In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dhondup Gyalpo commended the Belgium Regional U-Tsang Association for its initiative in organising a significant cultural event. He also lauded the Tibetan community in Belgium for coming together to celebrate Shoton despite their dispersed population. He emphasised the vital role of preserving Tibetan culture, particularly through language, history, and intergenerational education. He urged Tibetan parents and elders to instill a strong sense of cultural identity in the younger generation, reminding the audience of the importance of not losing their unique heritage in today’s fast-changing world. Reflecting on 2025 as the “Year of Compassion,” he encouraged active public participation in the future event in fostering compassionate values.

Following the keynote, Association President Ngawang Zomkyi offered a brief history of the Shoton Festival and its deep cultural significance in Tibetan national customs and traditions. A ceremonial cake-cutting took place in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

One of the event’s major highlights was the performance of the Tibetan opera Khandro Drowa Zangmo by the French Lhamo group. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tsomo, Secretary of the Belgium Regional U-Tsang Association.

Throughout the two-day celebration, attendees enjoyed traditional Tibetan circle dances and participated in various Tibetan games, creating a strong sense of unity and joy. Vegetarian food was served in recognition of the festival’s spiritual significance.

-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels