Europe Day in Edinburgh - 9 May 2017

The Big Noise Orchestra play Ode to Joy - the European Union National Anthem (9/5/17)

Europe Day celebrations from Edinburgh on the 9th May 2017. Enjoy the pictures. Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe and takes place very year on the anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration which was presented by French foreign minster Robert Shuman on this date in 1950.

The EU Stands in Castle Street

School choir

Cyprus - lots of great food samples - enjoyed by all !

Traditional dancers - not sure which country they are from

Denmark - I love those Cookies !

Edinburgh Castle

Information leaflets from the European Information Office

The stands on Castle Street

Fiona Hyslop, MSP, Member of Scottish Parliament - Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs 

Introducing the flag of each country

Germany

Making friends at the Hungary stall !

The Latvian Ambassador from London

Malta

The Big Noise Children's Orchestra played a variety of tunes including Ode to Joy

Studying in Poland

Poland

Romanian Pinot Noir wine looks worth trying !

Romania

The monument to the Scot's Greys with the castle in background

Slovenia

Transilvania University !! You have to be brave to go there ;-)

Denmark

The day was again a sunny occasion and a chance to chat with representatives of the other countries of Europe. It was a chance to find out more about these countries from a tourist perspective or investment or studying as a student. And also importantly, to sample some food and wine from the various regions ! The guy on the Cyprus stall was explaining how to eat one of their delicacies in one straight crunch ! The kids who were trying them thought this was a great idea !

The entertainment was provided by a variety of groups including the Big Noise Children's Orchestra who played a few pieces of music, including an excellent rendition of the EU anthem "Ode to Joy" (video at top of page!).

The flags of the various countries were brought out and each person introduced themselves in English and in their native languages which was interesting to hear. A lady who was carrying the Scottish flag introduced herself as "Hello I am Sharon" and was then asked to do the same in Scottish to which she replied "Hi I'm Shazza" - quite funny !

I also enjoyed watching the dancers although didn't catch what country they were from. And there was another children's choir later on. There was more entertainment later as well.

Fiona Hyslop opened the event and gave a nice speech and this was then followed up by the Latvian Ambassador who had flown up from London. Peace and unity in Europe were mentioned (more to follow!)  I was speaking to a girl from Spain who was sure the Latvian Ambassador was Neekola Stoor-ch-eon ! I only just managed to work out who she was talking about and explained how to say Nicola Sturgeon's name in a "guid" Scottish accent !! I also directed her to go and watch the very funny Tracey Ullman show clips of Nicola Sturgeon and Angela Merkel ! I hope she enjoyed them !

Anyway a good day and lots of support for the EU from those who had come along to browse the stalls.

(Reference : http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/09/what-is-europe-day-and-why-is-it-celebrated-6625386/)