Story: Public holidays

VE Day rejoicing

The alcohol flowed freely on VE (Victory in Europe) Day, 9 May 1945, as this film of street rejoicing shows. Although formal speeches, services and parades were also held, many people preferred more spontaneous celebrations.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Weekly Review 195. National Film Unit, 1945

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Public holidays - Celebrating imperial ties', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/32470/ve-day-rejoicing (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 19 Apr 2023