Date
Monday
May

May 5

Europe Day

Join us this Europe Day in honoring our diverse heritage and unity in diversity! An entire continent. One celebration!

Type
Day
Category
Federal

Introduction

Celebrate the way cultures beautifully blend together this Europe Day set for May 5! Recognized across all nations, Europe Day is a celebration of peace and unity in Europe, and the fun fact is, its inception dates back to 1949. On this day, the formation of the Council of Europe in the aftermath of the second world war is commemorated, marking a new chapter of cooperation and solidarity that united an entire continent. Join us in this vibrant celebration of our rich, diverse heritage that truly encapsulates the spirit of unity in diversity! An entire continent. One celebration. Get ready for a day filled with joy, commemoration, and a wonderful appreciation of all things European. Here's to Europe Day: Honouring and embracing our YOUniqueness together!

Europe Day Timeline

1949
Establishment of the Council of Europe
On May 5, the Council of Europe was formed with ten founding members, marking the first major initiative for trans-European cooperation after World War II.
1950
Europe Day Declared
Just a year after the creation of the Council of Europe, the organization declared May 5 as Europe Day to celebrate peace and unity across the continent.
1957
Treaty of Rome
The Treaty of Rome was signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), the first big steps in creating what we know as the European Union.
1985
EU Adopts Europe Day
The European Union officially adopted May 5 as Europe Day, further institutionalizing the celebration.
1993
Copenhagen Criteria
The Copenhagen Criteria, defining the conditions for any state to become an EU Member, was established, reinforcing the European vision of unity and integration.
2004
Largest Enlargement in EU History
The European Union welcomed 10 new member countries mostly from Central and Eastern Europe, the largest single enlargement in terms of people and number of countries.

How to Celebrate Europe Day

1

Dive into European literature

Find works from authors across the continent and immerse yourself in diverse styles of storytelling. You could even host a European book club, sharing different perspectives with friends.

2

Cook a European feast

Choose dishes from various European countries to make at home. Look for recipes online or even take a European cooking class. This allows you to taste the diversity of the continent at your dinner table.

3

Explore European art

Visit a local museum that displays European artworks or view exhibitions online. You could also create your own art inspired by European artists.

4

Learn a European language

Start learning or improving your skills in a European language. Websites and apps offer free courses in languages like Spanish, French, German, Italian, and many others.

5

Listen to European music

Discover musicians and bands from different European countries and create a Europe Day playlist. This could range from classical symphonies to modern pop hits.

Why We Love Europe Day

A

Boost Cultural Competence

Europe Day provides a wonderful opportunity for people all over the world to increase their cultural knowledge. Discovering European literature, exploring art, learning new languages, or indulging in music provides a broad understanding of different cultural practices and backgrounds.

B

Promotes Unity in Diversity

Celebrating Europe Day helps us acknowledge and appreciate the continent's diverse cultures, traditions, and attitudes, and it reminds us how such diversity contributes to a united and strong community. This day spreads the important message of unity in diversity.

C

Encourages Culinary Exploration

Europe Day challenges our culinary abilities and allows us to try our hands at different European cuisines. Cooking a European feast at home not only allows us to taste the continent's culinary diversity but also opens our taste buds to new and amazing flavors.