I know the quote. Didn't the Roman government try and keep the people happy by giving away free bread and staging huge spectacles? I think you're giving Mrs May too much credit if you think she organised this! (That's not meant as a serious comment btw, I'm sure you don't think she's responsible)
So? What's wrong with a bit of escapism, a bit of a feelgood vibe? Do you stand at the airport and tell people not to enjoy their holidays as all their problems will still be there when they get back?