Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
On 1 May, Finns mark the arrival of spring with a carnival-like festival
All around the world, people gather to celebrate the working class and the labour movement on 1 May, Labour Day. Although Finland marks this occasion too, its festivities are very different as it also celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
1 May is known as May Day in English, Vappu in Finnish and Valborg in Swedish. The origins of this national holiday date back to pagan times as it is named after the 8th century Saint Walpurgis. With time, May Day transformed into a nation-wide carnival-like celebration that is now one of the biggest, most-important festivals of the year.
It must be noted that celebrations for May Day begin on 30 April when students and graduates gather at the Market Square in Helsinki. There, they wash the statue of Havis Amanda and use a crane to place a white, secondary-school graduation cap on its head.
It must be noted that these caps play an important role in the May Day celebrations as people of all ages wear white hats. Taking this further, on 1 May, all Finns leave their homes wearing their spring clothes and caps to gather in the streets and parks, walk around the city, and eventually sit down to have a picnic.
On this day, people typically drink alcoholic beverages such as champagne and mead (sima). In addition to this, they eat funnel cake (tippaleipä) and Finnish doughnuts (munkki), among other traditional foods.
During these joyous celebrations, the city is colourfully decorated and balloons are sold in various places. Due to the overall party-like atmosphere, the sparkling beverages, and the carnival-like decorations that are seen all over the city, the May Day festivities have often been compared to those of New Year’s Eve.
Unfortunately, the COVID outbreak has made it difficult to celebrate this beautiful day in the same way. Like last year, the festivities will not be permitted outdoors this year.
However, the occasion will undoubtedly still be marked with mead and pastries indoors. In any case, whether outdoors or at home with loved ones, May Day is always celebrated in a joyous way.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital