European Neighbors Day

Relationships between people are a very subtle and complex thing. This is especially true for social contacts, in particular between neighbors. Willy-nilly, in many situations the latter often become even closer to relatives and good friends. In order to pay due attention to this type of relationship in society, a rather unusual holiday date was invented and introduced in Europe several years ago. It is called European Neighbors Day, celebrated by all caring people on the last Friday of every May. The main goal of the innovation is to encourage society to be more kind and responsive to those who live in our neighborhood. After all, residents of large settlements and megalopolises often do not even know who is behind their walls. For the first time, a French citizen named Antanas Perifan thought seriously about this problem. With the support of his friends and sponsorship, he organized a massive celebration for neighbors he knew little or not at all. As part of the event, he employed several of them, organized home mini-kindergartens, provided financial support to those in need, and performed many other good and useful deeds. According to Perifan, doing all this was quite simple - the main thing is to delve into the problem of a particular person. This holiday was celebrated for the first time in 1999 in the capital of France. The event was attended by 10,000 Parisians from 800 residential buildings. Since then, this date has been celebrated every year. Since 2000, the holiday has received international status. If in European countries the organization of a celebration falls on the shoulders of local solidarity societies, then in our country this is done by ordinary citizens, organizing a holiday for loved ones, giving them care and warmth. Currently, the holiday has over 1,450 partners in more than 36 countries, and the number of people taking part in the events exceeds 30 million. Gradually, this day acquires its own traditions and customs. In every country, city and even in the yard they are special. The only thing they have in common is the desire to open up and help everyone around them. The founders of the holiday are sure that it is quite easy to celebrate. It is enough to notify your neighbors in a timely manner, gather in a place convenient for everyone (in the house, in the yard, in the garden), sit down at a friendly table and have a good time. The main condition is that participants must bring treats with them and be in a great mood.