RIYADH: “Europe Day,” normally celebrated May 9, will this year be held early in Saudi Arabia so as not to clash with the holy month of Ramadan. Instead, “Europe Month” (which precedes the day itself) will run from April 4 to May 3.
The celebration allows EU member states to host events, this year focusing on Riyadh and Jeddah. “The EU holds events throughout the year to give a taste of what its members are doing,” said EU Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso.
During the month, Riyadh will host a series of Gaelic sporting activities from Ireland on April 6, a German-Saudi DJ show on April 9, Italy’s “Mezzotono” orchestra on April 11, and two Polish exhibitions on April 11.
The Italian delegation will also be putting on an opera, “La Kryptonite nella Borsa,” on April 29, while the Netherlands will host a falconry festival from April 16-17. The French and German delegations will combine for a film screening on April 24 and a classical concert, “Trio d’Iroise,” on April 30, and Czech jazz musicians Crystal Duo will perform May 2-3.
Additionally, the European Film Festival will be taking place in Jeddah, showing “Young Goethe in Love” on March 30, Italian film “The Place” on April 1, “The Little Stranger” on April 2, the UK’s “Love and Friendship” on April 8 and French movie “The Dancer” on April 15.
A Twitter competition will be held during the month, called “What’s Europe 4 Me?” where participants can send photos to the @EUintheGCC account to depict how they view the continent. Saudi, Omani, Qatari, Kuwaiti and Bahraini citizens are all welcome to participate. The winner will have the opportunity to meet the representatives of five EU countries of their choice for a gala lunch.
