May Day Bank Holiday
Early May bank holiday is in honour of the celebrations that took place back in 1945. When 75 years ago, the end of the Second World War was declared. Thus this was the day that Nazi Germany surrendered its armed forces as it was commanded by the new successor of Adolf Hitler, the previous Nazi leader, who committed suicide at the end of April, during the Battle of Berlin.
In fact, this bank holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of the month of May. However, it will be the second time that this bank holiday will move dates. Once this year the bank holiday will be moved to Friday, the 8th of May. For instance, the first time was in 1995, so it could be celebrated exactly on the 8th of May in honour of the 50th anniversary of VE Day. Moreover, this year, for the same reason, due to the actual pandemic we are facing.
Britain VE Day
This bank holiday is also known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Thus, on the 8th of May 1945, it was officially declared the end of the war. Since that day, this was officially a bank holiday to honour and celebrate the Victory in Europe and all of those who fought in the War. Such celebrations have therefore originated traditions that are constantly remembered year by year. Whether you celebrate this day by its traditions or by the historical importance of it, it doesn’t matter as long as we keep celebration the May Day.
Even though the concept of VE Day was originally conceived in advance of the end of the Second World War, as an anticipation of the Victory. It has only assembled its significance later on, with the actual end of the war. However, the official act of military surrender was first signed on the 7ht of May, the document had to be modified and was only completely accepted by the 8th of May. Which makes the 8th of May the official Victory in Europe day.
Main curiosities and traditions
This commemorative bank holiday isn’t only about celebrating the end of the Second World War in Europe. It is also a day to remember those who survived this national crisis as well as those who were lost in the meanwhile. But also to bring alive the traditions originated by the happiness behind the end of the war.
The main traditions include street parties, dances and songs of victory. All of these traditions were curiously originated in the very first days after the war. In fact, when everyone across the world came outside to celebrate the victory – and the respective freedom and the liberty that that Victory originated. The main curiosity is the fact that not many people wait for the exact VE Day to celebrate, as soon as the calendar turns to May it is a symbol of celebration time. So, to some Britians, the tradition is to start the celebrations and begin the festivities as soon as the beginning of May.
VE Day in Britain
In Brittian, the information came on a national radio broadcast made by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. During the war, Britain’s Prime Minister had a major driving force behind the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany. So when the peace was announced, the Britains were keen to celebrate it with him! Announcing that the Victory belongs to everyone, so it must be celebrated by the nation as a wh0le.
Another tradition is to rise state colour flags or adorn the house with the same colours. This is due to the fact that, once the end of the war was announced, the celebrations brought colourful bunting and flags lined up along the streets across Britain. Moreover, it is tradition to hear bonfires, people singing and dancing and lot’s of people celebrating in the local pubs.
The traditions of this celebration date back to the exact first day that Victory was announced. Besides, there are no limits to how far can a celebration go. As an example, back in 1945 and from that year on, there was VE merchandising ready to be purchased. Some restaurants have created ‘Victory’ menus and lots of parades have taken place since then. As a matter of fact, a tradition that remains nowadays is the diverse services held in local cathedrals, as a remembrance prayings and to give thanks for peace.
