The European Union, which celebrates the month of May for peace and unity in Europe, will mark the occasion in the Kingdom with zest and fervor in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Ambassador Adam Kulach, head of the European Union (EU) in Riyadh, said that traditionally May 9 is celebrated annually as Europe Day and “to allow a wide participation and visibility this year we shall observe Europe month in the Kingdom.”

It will feature contests, European gatherings, exhibitions, conferences, projects, concerts, open days, information sessions and culinary items.

The Embassy of the Netherlands will showcase culinary delicacies from the Netherlands in cooperation with the Riyadh Marriott hotel, VanDrie group White Veal, Royal Anna Caviar and Eurochoice Vegetables.

Kulach informed that there will be a concert on the 10th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the EU at the Polish ambassador’s residence on May 6, while the German Embassy will host a potpourri of international Jazz and Swing songs with the support of Lufthansa on May 7.

He further said that the Europe Day celebration will kick off at the National Museum on May 8.

Kulach will inaugurate a cultural soirée and reception on the occasion organized in cooperation with the SCTA and the ministry of culture and information.

Furthermore, there will be a photo exhibition, “European archaeologists in Saudi Arabia discovering the Kingdom’s heritage,” at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center here from May 8-17,” he said.

He added that the Italian Embassy will host a dance show on May 9, whereas the French, UK and Czech Republic embassies will show films entitled “Travel to Portugal” on May 13, “The Double” on May 28 and “Protector” on May 29 respectively.

Jamal Omar, director general of the Archaeological Research Center in SCTA was also present in the conference and assured all cooperation for the month long celebration.

Europe Day is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. There are two separate designations of Europe Day: May 5 for the Council of Europe and May 9 for the EU.

The Council of Europe’s day reflects its own establishment in 1949, while the EU’s day celebrates the day the EU’s predecessor was proposed in 1950.

Other highlights of the program include performances by the French and German schools’ choir, European Union orchestra, Italian Flag-Throwers and Saudi Sword dancers.