On the occasion of Europe Day, May 9, the city of Nice is planning a week of celebrations with a festive day on May 13. On the agenda: food trucks offering world cuisine and a free concert.
“Europe will not be made all at once, nor according to a single plan: it will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.” May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman’s speech is considered the founding act of the European Union. May 9 is a day of celebration across all member states. For this Europe Day, the city of Nice and its Deputy for European Institutions, Magali Altounian, have planned a week of celebrations.
Nice plans to illuminate its buildings in the colors of the Union. The Promenade des Anglais and the #ILOVENICE will also be adorned with the European flag. But the highlight of the festivities is on May 13, marking the second edition of Nice Europe Day. Last year, 7,000 people attended this family-friendly event.
Starting at 11 a.m., an entertainment village, with information and catering, will set up in the Albert 1er gardens. “The goal is to introduce Europe through its values of sharing, discovery, and multiculturalism found in gastronomy or entertainment,” shares the municipality.
Two panel discussions will take place at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss European current events. A concert at 7 p.m. is planned to close the celebration. Local artists Le Môme, Ninety’s Story, and Linh will perform on the stage of the Théâtre de Verdure.
Entertainment and Meetings: Here’s the Week’s Program
The 7th art takes part in the program. As part of the LUX Audience Award granted by the European Parliament, free movie screenings will take place throughout the month. The people of Nice, like all European citizens, are invited to vote for their favorite film from a selection of five feature films. “Burning Day” kicks off the event on May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Rialto cinema. The rest of the programming is available here.
The Europe Direct Nice Côte d’Azur Center is at the heart of the week’s celebrations. Join them on May 9 at their premises for an escape game. And for an Europe quiz on May 11 starting at 7 p.m. at the FACE06 community restaurant. The center will also work to educate all audiences on European values, especially school children from Nice. A moment of sharing around European tales titled “When Grandpa and Grandma Tell Europe” is scheduled at the Louis Nucéra Library on May 11.
Nice’s Attachment to the European Union
Labeled European city in 2022, the history that connects Nice to the European Union (EU) dates back to the 1950s. In the meantime, in 2001, the city applied to host the European Parliament, which is now located in Strasbourg.
Nice also gave its name to one of the fundamental treaties of the Union. The Treaty of Nice of February 26, 2001, aimed to prepare the EU institutions for its largest enlargement with the accession of Eastern states.
