Questions

1. What is the capital of Great Britain?

2. Is London a big city?

3. What is London's population?

4. On what river does London stand?

5. Into what parts is London divided?

6. Why is the City called the business centre of London?

7. What places of interest does Westminster include?

8. Who was buried in Westminster Abbey?

9. What is the West End famous for?

10.Why is the central square in London named Tra­falgar Square?

11.Who lives in the East End?

Lesson 34 – 35

BANK HOLIDAYS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

A bank holiday is an official holiday when all banks and post offices are closed. Most factories, offices and shops are closed, too. The following days are bank holidays in Great Britain: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Most of bank holidays are religious holidays. Now for most people they are simply days on which people eat, drink and make merry.

Christmas Day is the most popular of bank holidays. It is celebrated on December, 25. On this day many people go to churches, open their Christmas presents, eat a Christmas dinner of roast turkey and Christmas padding. Many people watch the Queen's Christmas broadcast on TV. This day is a traditional family reunion day and a special day for children.

Boxing Day is on December, 26. People usually gave «Christmas boxes», or gifts of money, to servants on this day. Today many people still give a Christmas gift to paperboys and girls.

New Year's Day is on January, 1. It is not marked with any custom in Great Britain. Traditional New Year parties and dances are held on New Year's Eve. People see the old year out and the New Year in.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter when the church marks the death of Christ. On this day people eat hot-cross buns - buns marked on top with a cross.

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Day. It is a traditional day for the start of the summer tourist season.

May Day Bank Holiday is the first Monday after the first of May (May Day). May Day which is not a bank holiday, is a celebration of the coming of spring. On May Day different outdoor events are held. Usually May Queen, the most beautiful girl of the celebration, is selected.

Spring Bank Holiday falls on me last Monday in May. August Bank Holiday is held on the last Monday in August.