May 1st, Jumping off the Bridge in Oxford, Muguet in Paris, Long Week-End in Rome
In many places around the world, May 1st, May Day is a holiday.
First it is Labour Day, second as the French Embassy reminds us for the Catholic church it marks the beginning of the month of the Virgin.
The French tradition is to offer Muguet (lily of the valley) to loved ones for good luck.
On May 1st in France, anyone can sell brins de muguet without a license so the flowers are plentiful.
In Paris this evening, the Swan Bar (bar americain?) offers an Apero Lyrique with soprano Jessica Morel and pianist Cécile Couron, the program goes from Pergolèse,Caldera and Vivaldi à Bernstein and Gershwin.
In Rome, Wanted in Europe warns that many Italians are taking Friday off and the roads will be packed for the long week-end.
A concert is staged as every year since 1991 on Piazza San Giovanni (organized by the 3 major labor unions)...
Let's not forget celebrations in the UK as Illustrated by the BBC, including the gathering at the Magdalen Bridge in Oxford
If you are off, enjoy the day.