Belgium: Tibetans in Belgium celebrated Losar – Fire-Bird – with much joy and fanfare. The main celebration took place in Antwerp on February 27, the first day of Losar. Organised by the Tibetan Community in Belgium, it saw an impressive participation by the public, with organisers called upon to revise their hospitality preparedness. The day-night-long community togetherness was peppered with sangsol, tambola, gorshe, and dance & music, both traditional and western.
Incidentally Antwerp has the largest Tibetan population in Belgium and thus most Tibetan community events take place here. Antwerp is globally known for diamond trade.
On the second day of Losar local Chushi-Gangdruck held another celebration in Antwerp. Besides the formal ceremony, the dance presentation by various groups, was the highlight.
Losar Organising Committee of Tibetans in Brugge organised yet another event yesterday. Brugge is world famous heritage city under UNESCO in north-western Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of West Flanders province of Flemish region of Belgium.
Representative Tashi Phuntsok attended the celebrations. He did so to encourage the Tibetan community in holding such community activities more and more and – better every time. These activities not only promote social, cultural and community aspirations but also are serious expressions of political solidarity and unity. A cohesive Tibetan community is the integral foundation for protection of unique Tibetan identity.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussel-
