protomagia-labor day

Protomagia in Greece

For many countries, May 1st is International Labor Day. This is also a national holiday in Greece, though it is more commonly called "Protomagia" meaning the first day of May. 

Protomagia finds its origins in ancient Greece as a celebration of nature’s rebirth, spring, and flowers. The month May was named after the Greek Goddess Maia, who was linked with the Ancient Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May.

To honour the day there will be many parades and other festivities around Greece. 

Many people traditionally go to the countryside for a picnic, to fly kites and gather wildflowers for a flower wreath called "Stefania" that people hang on the front doors of their houses to welcome spring. It is also the date for locals to attempt the first swim of the season.