May Day

In the days before this national holiday, the Greeks’ version of Labor Day, locals traditionally gather colorful wild spring flowers from the hillsides and fashion them into wreaths, a tradition that grew out of the ancient Greek “Festival of the Flowers,” celebrating Persephone’s annual return from Hades and the arrival of spring.

A typical May Day wreath

You’ll see them decorating many front doors and entrances. Many flower festivals take place all over the country. The day itself it typically spent with friends and family over a long taverna lunch, with singing and dancing and general merrymaking.

May Day is generally celebrated on the 1st of May, even though it is now associated with a bank holiday for workers hence it also being known as Labour Day, but on Hydra , is celebrated with enthusiasm.

On the rare occasions that Greek Easter Sunday falls on or near 1st May, the more ancient, somewhat pagan holiday “Festival of the Flowers” may be delayed or rescheduled.

Since May Day corresponds with the peak of the flower season in Hydra you will find May wreaths, made with flowers gathered from the hills of Hydra, decorating shops, homes, doorways, balconies, in chapels, and many other places.

The banks, post office and municipal offices are closed on the 1st of May. If the 1st happens to land on a Friday or Monday, anyone wanting to travel to or from Hydra that weekend would be advised to book their dolphin ticket early!