A May Day ritual custom
Take part in a unique celebration that has remained alive across the centuries. In Makrinitsa on Mount Pelion, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved villages in Greece, May Day is when “Maides”, an impressive and rare event, occurs. It is a custom rooted deep in folk tradition and has been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece. In a ritualistic and deeply moving way, the Maides event conveys messages associated with fertility, rebirth and the cycles of nature.
At the centre stands Mais (May), a young man covered entirely with greenery and flowers, wreaths and ribbons, symbolising spring itself.
The procession of the Maides consists of about 20 young people in costume who accompany the flower-adorned May. The event starts in the village’s cobbled streets, with the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments (daouli and zournas), and ends at the central square of Makrinitsa, where a magical event with elements of ancient drama takes place: after indecently teasing a young lady, one of the masqueraders is “killed” by a man clad in a fustanella (kilt). The crowd leave flowers by the "corpse" and dance around it. The "deceased" is resurrected and becomes actively involved in the dance as the celebration culminates.
The landscape of Makrinitsa, with its stone-carved mansions, shady plane trees and breathtaking views of the Pagasitic Gulf, is the ideal backdrop for reenacting a charming yet moving custom. Visit Makrinitsa on May Day and enjoy first-hand an experience that connects humanity with nature and the soul of the land.
At the centre stands Mais (May), a young man covered entirely with greenery and flowers, wreaths and ribbons, symbolising spring itself.
The procession of the Maides consists of about 20 young people in costume who accompany the flower-adorned May. The event starts in the village’s cobbled streets, with the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments (daouli and zournas), and ends at the central square of Makrinitsa, where a magical event with elements of ancient drama takes place: after indecently teasing a young lady, one of the masqueraders is “killed” by a man clad in a fustanella (kilt). The crowd leave flowers by the "corpse" and dance around it. The "deceased" is resurrected and becomes actively involved in the dance as the celebration culminates.
The landscape of Makrinitsa, with its stone-carved mansions, shady plane trees and breathtaking views of the Pagasitic Gulf, is the ideal backdrop for reenacting a charming yet moving custom. Visit Makrinitsa on May Day and enjoy first-hand an experience that connects humanity with nature and the soul of the land.
