Against all odds, we have reached the mid-point of 2021. In most European countries, the month of July is synonymous with the start of the swimming season. But the summer season means so much more to so many of us.
Summer is good for the soul because it is made up of longer days and more time outdoors, a wider variety of fruit are in season, and we get a higher intake of Vitamin D which makes our skin glow – all evocative of a great mood and a more active lifestyle.
And in the lucky case of all six members of the , which are situated close to the sea, at the mention of summer, the mind immediately draws a picture of clear skies, blue coasts, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Speaking of unforgettable adventures, just as spring turned into summer, top officials from the SEA-EU Alliance convened in Malta to discuss the next steps forward on strengthening the links between teaching, research, innovation and knowledge transfer across the continent.
Summer is the chance to try out something new, explore more and aim higher. So how do the members of SEA-EU celebrate their summer?
- In Malta (represented by the University of Malta), locals typically head to the beach and dive into the water to obtain some reprieve from the merciless heat. Beaches and coastlines become sites of an interesting social performativity, even though this is, this year, somewhat attenuated by the ongoing pandemic. Camps and tents of all shapes and sizes are drawn up, and tables and chairs are deployed, marking the territory of families and friends who engage in delightful conversations, while enjoying meals and cold drinks in between swims. Swimmers compete with divers, snorkelers and small craft owners for safe access to the precious waters. And for those who might not like getting their feet wet, village feasts might serve as alternative venues to their season; although again, this year, the boisterous and public events associated with such religious devotion are not being held, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- In Spain (represented by the , it’s a race to the 8,000km coastline, which hugs the Atlantic Ocean, the Cantabrian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Every year in August, the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda in the province of Cadiz come alive with the pounding of hooves as horse races take over the coast. This is an event that, since 1845, has been attracting people from all over the country and beyond. But, even before that, the event had been staged by the locals who used to race the horses that they used to transport fish from the port to the city. Nowadays, the prestigious event is managed by the town hall, and it has earned the title of one of the most important fiestas in the region.
- In Germany (represented by the , the colours of the sea are witnessed and celebrated through some vigorous yacht racing and ship parading during Kiel Week, one of the world’s biggest regatta and sailing events. Although Kiel Week is held towards the end of June, the summer buzz goes on for the entire summer, thanks in part to the locals who are always eager to renew the tradition that has been upheld since 1882, and to the millions of tourists who attend with great anticipation. The grand parade of ancient and vintage ships, more than a 100 of them, is accompanied by popular music bands and fairs along the Canal, turning this into a fabulous national feast!
- In Poland (represented by the , the city sets the stage for the most vibrant street art you will ever come across. The legendary Midsummer City Festival, which lasts three weeks, sees the streets fill with art, travelling circuses, concerts, antique markets and delicious street food. No less than 23 days of cultural entertainment have been a recurring point on Gdansk’s cultural calendar for the past 750 years. Its roots go back to ancient Slavic festivals of the summer solstice, of love and fertility, combined with rites of the cleansing of fire and water. It was commonly believed that the night of the summer solstice was when nature’s strength was at its fullest. This festival was an important celebration for the old Slavs who believed in the cycles of time, the changes of season and the phases of the Moon, and although it is now detached from its original meaning, it has become the yearly routine of different artistic groups.
- In Croatia (represented by the ), summer is sticky, and if the pleasant Maestral breeze doesn’t start to blow, the heat can become unbearable, only salvaged perhaps through an ice-cold beer or a flavourful ice cream. But these weather conditions do not dampen the mood of locals, who look forward to performing throughout the Diocletian Days, a cultural event that goes back to more than 1700 years ago, well not literally. Men, women and children go back to the time of famous Roman emperor Diocletian by dressing up in Ancient Roman costumes. Roman legions align on the city streets, and a crowd cheers on as a carriage passes from the promenade to the Peristyle. Sounds of fanfare and Roman music fill the air, and delicatessen are offered to those gathered along the path.
- In France (represented by the , once every four years in mid-July, over 2,500 boats and ships from around the world convene for the Maritime Festival, and thousands of sea-lovers gather along the banks and docks to admire these vessels of all sizes. All this while, live music blasts on stage and cafes come alive with the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists. A military procession and a night boat parade culminate in a fireworks display on 14 July: France’s National Day.
And with that, it is hoped that, however you spend your summer, it is a time where you are able to soak up the essence of a magical time, replenish the energy you’ve been putting forward, and gear up for your next challenge, whatever that may be.
