Celebrating Europe Day - A Look at the History and Traditions
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2. The day of Europe is celebrated on 9th May in the whole Europe. It is so because in
1950 this day was the exact date when the history of the European Union itself was
started. A Frenchman Robert Schuman suggested creating a united Europe because
it was the only way to keep peace. This suggestion, known as Schuman’s
declaration, was the beginning of the creation which is now called the European
Union.
At the beginning of May the institutions of the EU in Brussels and Strasbourg open
their doors to the public when celebrating the day of Europe. The EU bureaus in
Europe and the whole world organize various events for people of different ages and
groups.
Thousands of people celebrate the day of Europe every year: they go to concerts,
take part in different excursions, discussions and other events where they can get
information about the European Union.
Europe’s open day is a time to reflect on the EU’s achievements – and look at how to
make it work better for everyone.
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5. In Lithuania this day is celebrated in Vilnius and other big
cities with various activities in city squares and processions
along the main streets. Creative workshops, sports, music,
dance and many other actions reflect the solidarity between
generations. This year on May 9th Lithuanians could take an
exam about Europe where they could check their knowledge
about European Union.
We also have a Street Music Day which was started in 2007
by a famous Lithuanian singer and musician Andrius
Mamontovas. This day almost coincides with the Day of
Europe (it is celebrated May 5th every year)and is a good
start for the celebrations which achieve their highest point
on May 9th-Day of Europe.
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7. This year students from our school celebrated
this day by making posters about Europe, its
unity and solidarity.