Ever felt you’d like to get to know your neighbours, but have never really had the chance? Help is at hand. On Friday 23 May, all around the region, thousands of neighbours will congregate at hundreds of Neighbours’ Day parties. Started in 1999 in France, the aim is to build and strengthen communities and improve people’s quality of life. Neighbours’ Day parties are self-organized. The parties are pot luck allowing the residents in a building or street to meet up, share their favourite specialities and get to know each other.
Neighbours’ Day has grown steadily more popular. Last year in Lausanne alone, more than 5,000 people attended some 300 parties. Although local communes do not actually host the parties, they actively support those willing to host an event by providing organizational support, a free kit including promotional and decorative items (balloons and flyers), food and drinks from local producers, and even a Neighbours’ Day party game to help break the ice and get the gig moving
If you’re interested in organising a neighbourhood party, visit www.immeublesenfete.ch for more information about the support your commune provides to organizers, and to register your party. The commune will then send you a neighbourhood party kit, along with practical advice such as recommended venues and how to organize a successful do. Take the first step to enjoying more rewarding relationships with those oh-so-important people – your neighbours.
