On 31 May 2011, the opening ceremony of the 23rd World Folkdance Festival was held at the Oostrozebeke Sports Centre. The Embassy was represented Ms. Rafiqa Hazura Md Ridzuan, First Secretary (Economic and Information). Dancing troupes from nine countries were invited to this year's biennial event, namely Bulgaria, France, Lithuania, Malaysia, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Venezuela and also Belgium. Malaysia was represented by the Malaysia Airlines Dancing Troupe, consisting of 25 persons including dancers, singers, musicians, and choreographer.
The 5-day event was a sold out as it was Oostrozebeke's most anticipated event for a small town in north-west of Belgium. All participants were involved in its local homestay programme where each participant was assigned to a 'foster' family.
Malaysia's participation in this event had definitely generated keen interest among the locals to visit Malaysia. With our colourful and exciting folkdance and beautiful traditional attires, our Malaysia Airlines booth was a popular spot during the weekend and Malaysian scarves and sarongs were sold out during the event.
