May Day

festivals · springtime · traditions

Flowers and greenery. People gather wildflowers and green branches to decorate their homes and create beautiful wreaths and garlands.

The Maypole dance. A tall pole decorated with colorful ribbons stands in the center, and dancers weave around it while holding the ribbons, creating pretty patterns as they spin.

Crowning royalty. A May Queen is chosen and sometimes crowned with a male companion, both dressed in flowers and greenery to celebrate the arrival of summer.

Festival bonfires. In some regions, people light bonfires as part of the celebration, continuing an ancient tradition that marks the beginning of the warmer season.

Parades and singing. Communities gather for processions and street celebrations where people dance, sing, and march together through towns.