A project honoring the roots and heritage of the Vietnamese language.
Francisco de Pina
and the journey of *Quốc ngữ* - A cultural bridge between Vietnam and Portugal.
A cultural bridge between Vietnam and Portugal: a tribute ceremony, an academic seminar, and a networking space—all held in the very homeland of the missionary who laid the foundations for the writing system used daily by over 100 million Vietnamese people.
Date
October 6–8, 2026
Location
Teatro Municipal da Guarda
Invited
delegates and guests
Francisco de Pina · 1585 – 1625 · Guarda
Guarda — the hometown of Francisco de Pina.
Background
A quiet cultural revolution
For millennia, the Vietnamese people possessed their own spoken language but lacked a writing system that was truly their own. *Chữ Quốc ngữ*—which emerged in the 17th century without the initial aim of becoming the national script—ultimately became the key that unlocked the door to knowledge for the entire population.
For generations, textbooks have credited Alexandre de Rhodes. Since 2019, however, scholars from Vietnam, Portugal, and France have re-examined 17th-century historical records from the Vatican and Jesuit archives, increasingly leaning toward the conclusion that Francisco de Pina was actually one of the pioneers who laid the groundwork, while de Rhodes was the student who inherited and perfected the work.
If not now, then when? If not us—the children of Vietnam—then who?
Central figure
Francisco de Pina
Guarda 2026 has selected Francisco de Pina as a symbol of the historical connection between Vietnam and Portugal.
The project materials highlight the pioneering role of Portuguese missionaries in the development of the Latin-based Quốc ngữ script, while also providing a platform for scholars to continue discussing the history of this writing system.
Media Coverage
A collection of articles and media coverage about our event.
Correio da Guarda
Evento internacional evoca Francisco de Pina
An article introducing the international event dedicated to Francisco de Pina and the historical connection between Vietnam and Portugal.
Mais Beiras
Guarda acolhe iniciativa dedicada ao legado de Francisco de Pina
An article presenting the programme and activities organised as part of the event in Guarda.
Project Messages
Three Key Messages
Tribute
- A tribute ceremony honoring missionary Francisco de Pina, together with the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the emergence of the Latin-based Vietnamese script.
- Proposal to name a street or public place in Guarda, his hometown, in his honor.
Building Bridges
- Facilitating, promoting, and strengthening connections in culture, tourism, and gastronomy.
- Promoting economic cooperation and business connections between the two countries.
Historical Reassessment
- Roundtable conference on “Vietnamese Literary Heritage and Cultural Exchange between Vietnam and Europe”.
- Presentation of works on the history of the Latin-based Vietnamese script.
- Advancing the reassessment of the historical development of the Vietnamese national script.
Project Information
How the Event Will Take Place
Host Organization
The Association for the Promotion of Vietnamese Culture (APCV), in collaboration with the Guarda City Council, the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal, the French Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Federation, and other associations and organizations to be announced in the coming days.
Date
October 6–8, 2026
With reception and sightseeing activities from October 4 to 10.
Venue
Guarda Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal da Guarda), Portugal.
Two auditoriums with capacities of 600 and 120 seats, along with six exhibition spaces totaling approximately 1,200 m².
Scale & Participants
400 Delegates and Guests
Diplomats and government representatives, the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal and Vietnamese embassies in other European countries, the Vietnamese Cultural Center in France, the Guarda City Council, Vietnamese and international scholars, businesses, sponsors, and the Vietnamese community.
Provisional Program
Six Days, One Shared Journey
04 – 05/10
Welcome & Discovery
- Welcome of international delegations at Lisbon Airport.
- Transfer of delegations to Guarda by coach provided by the Guarda authorities (approximately 300 km).
- Sightseeing tour of Guarda.
06/10
Official Welcome Ceremony
- 10:00 — Welcome of the Organizing Committee and delegations by the Guarda City Council at City Hall.
- Speeches by the Mayor of Guarda, the Ambassador of Vietnam, associations, and attending representatives.
- Exchange of commemorative gifts and group photo.
07/10
Opening Ceremony & Vietnam–Portugal Connection
- 14:30 — Opening ceremony in front of City Hall: lion dance, traditional drums, speeches, and inauguration ceremony.
- 16:00 — Visit to the exhibition spaces at the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
- 16:45 — Screening of a documentary produced by RTP; signing of agreements between businesses.
08/10
Roundtable & Tribute Ceremony
- 10:00 — Roundtable on “Vietnamese Literary Heritage and Cultural Exchange between Vietnam and Europe”.
- 17:00 — Evening ceremony honoring Father Francisco de Pina: historical video, speeches, and a Vovinam – Việt Võ Đạo demonstration.
- Official announcement by the Mayor of Guarda that a street or public place will be named after Francisco de Pina.
09 – 10/10
Lisbon & End of the Journey
- Coach transfer to Lisbon; visit to Lisbon City Hall and the Embassy of Vietnam.
- Visit to the Ajuda National Library, where manuscripts by Francisco de Pina are preserved.
- Departure for Paris on the afternoon of October 10.
Roundtable
Up to 120 participants, bringing together Vietnamese and Portuguese experts, historians, and researchers. The session will take place on the morning of October 8 at the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
Key Activities
Four Highlights of Guarda 2026
Roundtable Conference & Book Presentation
Bringing together experts, historians, and scholars, with up to 120 participants, on the morning of October 8 at the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
- Identifying the pioneers of the Latin-based Vietnamese writing system
- The evolution of cultural exchange between Europe and Vietnam
- The role and value of the Vietnamese written language in Vietnam’s culture and development
Ceremonial Highlights
The ceremonial centerpiece of the program, aimed at securing official recognition from the City of Guarda.
- Tribute ceremony honoring missionary Francisco de Pina, on the evening of October 8
- Official announcement by the Mayor of Guarda naming a street or public place in his honor
Vietnamese Cultural Space
Vietnam Cultural Space — six exhibition areas covering approximately 1,200 m² within the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
- Vietnamese–Portuguese culinary area
- Cultural experience area featuring áo dài and traditional handicrafts
- Vietnam tourism promotion area
Trade Promotion
Connecting businesses from both countries throughout the event.
- Promoting tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Portugal
- Facilitating business connections, agreements, and partnerships
Project benefits
In what capacity are you participating?
Corporated identification
The enterprise's brand is comprehensively disseminated across multinational media channels.
- The logo is prominently displayed in the most high-priority locations: the main backdrop, all publications, and reports submitted to competent authorities.
- Dedicated display booths in major lobbies and exclusive interviews with international media outlets.
Regarding international connectivity
Sponsors have the opportunity to connect with businesses and engage in direct dialogue with policymakers, leaders of Guarda city, and the program's strategic partners.
Connect
Direct interaction with politicians and businesses.
Spreading
Put the company's image and products on the international market map.
Fondation
Build a foundation for projects and cooperation, as well as the signing of economic, cultural, and educational agreements.
Group offer: 5% discount on the participation fee for groups of 10 or more people.
Heritage journey
Visit famous landmarks in France, Belgium, Portugal, and Guarda—the hometown of the missionary Francisco de Pina. It is an experience rarely accessible to the average tourist.
A historic moment
Attending the appreciation ceremony in person—a milestone in Vietnam-Portugal cultural exchange.
Sponsorship Packages
Three Levels of Partnership
| Benefits | Diamond €25,000 | Gold €15,000 | Silver €10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official designation | Strategic Partner | Main Partner | Supporting Partner |
| Number of participants (full package) | 5 – 10 | 3 – 5 | 2 – 3 |
| Exhibition booths | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Logo on the main backdrop | Yes | ||
| Logo on all communication materials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaking opportunity at the opening ceremony | Yes | Yes | —No |
| Access to the VIP diplomatic area | Yes | Yes | —No |
| High-level networking (ambassadors, scholars) | Yes | Yes | —No |
| Tailored B2B/B2G introductions | Yes | Yes | —No |
| Dedicated interview / media coverage | Yes | —No | —No |
Participation Costs
Three Ways to Participate
Price per person, based on double occupancy. You may attend the event completely free of charge if you arrange your own logistics, or choose one of the two all-inclusive packages coordinated by the Organizing Committee.
Independent Attendance
Free
Applicable if you do not use the logistics services provided by the Organizing Committee.
3 days · October 6, 7 & 8, 2026 · Guarda
- Access to all event activities in Guarda.
- You arrange your own transportation, accommodation, and meals.
Tour 1 — Guarda
350 €
≈ 10,500,000 VND
All-inclusive logistics in Guarda during the three days of the event.
3 days / 3 nights · October 6, 7 & 8, 2026 · Guarda
- Double-room hotel accommodation in Guarda: 3 nights.
- Meals at restaurants in Guarda throughout the 3 days.
- Participation in event activities on October 6, 7 and 8 according to the Tour 2 schedule.
Tour 2 — Paris ⇄ Lisbon ⇄ Guarda
1,000 €
≈ 30,000,000 VND
All-inclusive package from Paris, including flights, hotel accommodation, and meals for seven days.
7 days · October 4–10, 2026 · Departure from Paris
- Round-trip Paris – Lisbon airfare (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes each way).
- Bus transportation Lisbon ⇄ Guarda (approximately 3 hours each way).
- Double-room hotel accommodation: 5 nights in Guarda and 1 night in Lisbon.
- Meals throughout the journey from October 4 to 10.
- Sightseeing in Guarda and Lisbon according to the detailed itinerary below.
Detailed Tour 2 Itinerary — 7 Days
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Flight from Paris to Lisbon, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Bus transfer from Lisbon to Guarda, approximately 3 hours.
- Hotel check-in — first night in Guarda.
Monday, October 5, 2026
- Memorial to Father Francisco de Pina — Eduardo Lourenço Library.
- Guarda Cathedral and Basilica.
- Guarda Old Town (Judiaria da Guarda).
- Guarda Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal da Guarda).
- Second night in Guarda.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Morning: official welcome ceremony hosted by the Guarda city authorities for ministers, chairpersons of People's Committees, ambassadors, delegates, VIPs, and distinguished guests.
- Presentation of commemorative gifts and group photographs.
- Afternoon: decoration, rehearsals, and preparations at the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
- Third night in Guarda.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Opening ceremony at Guarda City Hall, followed by transfer to the Guarda Municipal Theatre.
- Exhibitions featuring paintings, photography, handicrafts, cuisine, and tourism.
- Meetings and signing ceremonies between companies.
- Participation in press and television interviews.
- Fourth night in Guarda.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Morning: conference on “Vietnamese Literary Heritage and Cultural Exchange between Vietnam and Europe”.
- Evening: tribute ceremony honoring Father Francisco de Pina and closing ceremony.
- Fifth night in Guarda.
Friday, October 9, 2026
- Travel by bus to Lisbon, approximately 3 hours.
- Check in at the hotel in Lisbon.
- Visit Lisbon City Hall.
- Visit the Ajuda National Library, where manuscripts by Francisco de Pina are preserved.
- Sixth night in Lisbon.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Visit the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal.
- São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery.
- Santa Justa Lift and the Rua Augusta Arch leading to Praça do Comércio.
- Tram 28 and four historic neighborhoods.
- Flight at approximately 16:00, arriving in Paris at approximately 20:00.
VND conversions are based on an indicative exchange rate of approximately 30,000 VND/€. Prices may be adjusted depending on airfare and hotel rates at the time of booking.
Estimated Budget
Event Budget
- International airfare (martial artists, artisans, Organizing Committee)
- Transportation of weapons, performance props, and exhibition products
- Visa, insurance, and administrative procedure costs
- Meals for the Organizing Committee (30 people × 5 days × €120)
- Event logistics, refreshments, and networking receptions
- Vietnamese–Portuguese culinary area (space design and chef hire)
- Vovinam performance stage and specialized mats
- Áo dài and traditional handicraft experience area
- Vietnamese–Portuguese calligraphy and traditional games area
- Gifts and souvenirs
- Preparation and printing of bilingual academic materials
- Photo and social media video production team
- International promotion and brand visibility
- On-site interpreters (Vietnamese – French – Portuguese)
- Unforeseen expenses and exchange-rate fluctuations
Estimated Total Cost ~ 65.000 €
Support & Coordination
The Organizing Committee Takes Care of the Rest
Visa & Legal Procedures
Official invitation letters will be provided by the Organizing Committee and the Guarda City Council. These letters will help facilitate the Schengen visa application process.
International & Local Travel
Route planning and assistance with booking international flights optimized for both time and cost. Full coordination of transportation and travel schedules in Europe (Paris – Lisbon – Guarda – Porto).
On-site Support
Vietnamese–French–Portuguese interpreters will provide support during seminars and networking activities, while professional guides will accompany participants throughout the cultural and experiential programs.
Registration Guide
Three Steps to Participate
01
Registration & Information Confirmation
Contact the Organizing Committee to provide and confirm sponsorship information or the list of participating representatives.
Ms. Diane Nguyễn Đức Thu Dung
02
Bank Transfer
Please include the name of your company/organization, or your full name and phone number, in the payment reference so that the Organizing Committee can issue a confirmation letter.
In France
- Association pour la Promotion de la Culture Vietnamienne
- IBAN: FR76 3000 4018 7700 0101 8108 246
- RIB: 30004 01877 00010181082 46
- BIC: BNPAFRPPXXX
In Vietnam
- Sacombank – Go Vap Branch
- Account holder: Nguyễn Đức Kim Dung
- Account number: 0602 1428 2219
03
Participation Confirmation
- Receive a sponsorship confirmation letter and an official invitation letter, which may be used for visa and business travel procedures.
- Receive a detailed schedule of meetings with local authorities and businesses in Guarda.
- Be directly connected with and supported by the Organizing Committee throughout the program activities.
Documents
Guarda 2026 File
All the documents you provided have been compiled on this website.
Les partenaires
Tous ensemble
Côté vietnamien
Ambassade du Vietnam au Portugal
Fédération Vovinam – Fédération vovinam en france
Côté portugais
Gouvernement de la ville de Guarda
Diocèse de Guarda
Ordre des Jésuites portugais
Les partenaires participent et collaborent.
Shampoing aux herbes Nguyen Xuan
Le vin Gồ : une identité culturelle vietnamienne.
Le comité d'organisation espère également recevoir le soutien ou la coopération du ministère de la Culture, des Sports et du Tourisme, de l'Administration nationale du tourisme du Vietnam, du Comité populaire de la province de Gia Lai, de la Société diplomatique de Paris (MEP), de l'Institut vietnamien de recherches historiques et de l'Association culinaire du Vietnam.
Register
Join Guarda 2026
Invitation letter / visa support
The project documentation indicates that the city of Guarda sends official invitation letters—based on the Organizing Committee's list—to participants requiring visa processing.
Becoming part of this project is our way of continuing to write a proud chapter in our nation’s history together, as Cultural Ambassadors.
The support of our valued partners, organizations, and dedicated individuals will not only contribute to the success of the event, but also affirm the power of cross-border connections and help build an enduring bridge of heritage between Vietnam and Portugal.
Gratitude · Peace & Love