Do you know who lives next door to the left? And to the right? And above? If the answer is "I don't know" or "some guy with a drill," you're not alone. The world is becoming more isolated. But there is one day a year when you can (and should) reach out. International Neighbour's Day is celebrated on the last Friday in May. In 2026, it's on May 29. An excuse to buy a cake, knock on the door, and say, "Hello, I'm your neighbour." Sounds naive? Try it. Where Did Neighbour's Day Come From The idea was born in Paris in 1990. A group of activists noticed: people in high-rise buildings don't know each other. Elderly people die alone, children are afraid to go out to the courtyard, and thieves feel comfortable. The activists proposed to have a "Neighbour's Day" once a year. The idea took off. In 2000, it was picked up by Europe, then America, then Asia. Since 2010, it has been officially celebrated under the auspices of the UN. In Russia, the festival came in the 2010s. Moscow and St. Petersburg were the first to take it up, followed by small cities. Today, Neighbour's Day is celebrated in dozens of countries, from France to Japan. The format is different: in some places, it's a tea party on benches, in others, a concert in the courtyard, and in others, a community clean-up. The meaning is simple: remind that a neighbour is not just "apartment 45," but a living person. Whom you can trust with the keys, whom you can ask for salt, whom you can call an ambulance if you're feeling unwell. Why Are Neighbours Important Because they are there in an emergency. You fall and can't get up - your neighbour will call an ambulance. Your ceiling is leaking - your neighbour above will quickly turn off the tap. You're on vacation - your neighbour will water the flowers and collect the mail. This is not altruism, it's mutual assistance. Secondly, security. Neighbours who know each other face-to-face are quicker to notice a stranger in the elevator, report a suspicious sound in time. In a hou ... Read more