– May in Europe is a month filled with holidays and celebrations
– Workers’ Day on May 1st is traditionally celebrated by not working
– End of WWII in Europe on May 8th is observed in some countries
– Christian festivals like Orthodox Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost result in long weekends
– Europe Day on May 9th commemorates the 1950 plan to unite the continent’s coal and steel industries, but is only celebrated by employees of EU institutions, not the public
– Each European country celebrates its own national day with unique historical or cultural significance
– The choice of occasions to celebrate provides insights into the psyches of European citizens, reflecting a focus on national identity and a lack of attachment to the EU
– Europe’s multitude of national days offer a study into the diversity and individuality of the continent’s nations and the ongoing debate about the place of the European Union in their collective identity.