July 01, 2004

By: Nate Garth
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com

‘Day of Welcomes’ to celebrate historic EU Enlargement

Saturday May 1 will mark one of the most important days in recent European history. The accession of ten new member states to the European Union signifies the re-unification of Europe and the ending of the artificial divisions of the last century.

Celebrations are taking place all over the continent to commemorate the biggest expansion in the history of the European Union, and to welcome Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia as new members of the European Union.

As current holders of the EU Presidency, Ireland has the honour of hosting the Enlargement of the Union to 25 member states. Heads of State and Government from all the EU countries will attend a special flag-raising ceremony in Dublin as part of this historic occasion.

To celebrate the day the Irish Government has undertaken a number of exciting cultural events to extend a 'Day of Welcomes' to our new neighbours. These public events will take place in conjunction with formal ceremonial events.

1. Conference of the Three Presidents A Press conference of the three Presidents will take place in Dublin Castle on the morning of May 1. The conference, which promises to be one of the key political events of the day, will be addressed by the Taoiseach and President of the European Council, Bertie Ahern, the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox and the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi. Various dignitaries and high level representatives will also be in attendance during the conference.

2. Flag Raising Ceremony Leaders from all the EU member states will arrive in Dublin throughout the day and be greeted by the Taoiseach ahead of the flag-raising ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin residence of the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, later in the afternoon.

The ceremony will be followed by a reception hosted by the President of Ireland, before the Heads of State and Government and other dignitaries transfer to Farmleigh, a nearby Government residence, for dinner.

Public Events The 'Day of Welcomes' on Saturday May 1 is the final and most important strand of the Irish Presidency Cultural Programme - the other strands include, events in Brussels, in Ireland, and in the ten accession states, over the 6 months of the Irish Presidency.

Ten towns and cities around Ireland have been matched with the accession states to celebrate and welcome our new neighbours, while a number of special events are also taking place ahead of May 1. Below are some of the main highlights of the Accession Day celebrations.

1. Sky Illumination 'Vectorial Elevation', described as the largest installation of interactive art in the world, is currently illuminating the Dublin skyline every night leading up to May 1. The display requires the public to go online and put together their own designs by manipulating 22 robotic searchlights placed on the rooftops of buildings on O'Connell Street, Dublin's famous main street.

Every six seconds a new design is depicted on the sky for all to see. With 154,000 watts of power the designs can be seen from 15 kilometres away, while a large screen will display the signature and comments of the authors. This display is live for the two weeks running up to the May 1, presenting designs from dusk to dawn.

About The Author:

Nate Garth is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.  The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.