Today, May 9, Latvia and other European countries celebrate Europe Day. It dates back to May 9, 1950, when the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe.

Europe Day is the occasion for activities and festivities that bring Europeans closer to one another.

A flashmob Alive Flag of Europe will be held in Esplanade Park, Riga. 8 meter wide and 14 meter long flag will be made up by visitors that will hold 1 000 blue balloons and 12 yellow umbrellas in their hands. European Union ambassadors to Latvia will also take part, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Press service.

“Traditionally, we celebrate Europe Day on the second Saturday of May. But to stress that it is exactly May 9, which paved the way for the European Union and that it is a celebration of peace and solidarity, we will be holding events on both dates – May 9 and May 12,” says Edgars Rinkevics, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He invites everyone to come to Esplanade Park and take part in becoming a European symbol – the flag. It will show that, individually and together, we all make up one Europe, he says.

Rinkevics will open Europe Day celebrations at 16:00. People will be addressed also by the Danish Ambassador (Denmark holds the EU Presidency) Per Carlsen, Head of the European Parliament Information Office in Latvia Maris Graudins and head of the European Commission’s office in Latvia Inna Steinbuka.

At 16:15, listening to the EU anthem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, participants will form the biggest EU flag in Latvia – with balloons and umbrellas. Afterwards, 1 000 blue balloons will be released in the sky.

The flashmob will round up at 16:40, but until 18:00 people will have a chance to take part in a quiz, with prizes from the European Commission’s Office in Latvia. Winners will get a flight in a hot air balloon.

DJ Monsta will provide the musical backdrop, creating an atmosphere of France, Denmark, Spain, Ireland and other EU countries.

The celebrations will be followed by the fourth EU’s garden party on May 12 in Vermanes Garden, Riga.

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