První Máj

Traditional Maypole

Although many people in the Czech Republic celebrate their romantic love on St. Valentine’s Day, there is another day that is much older and much more traditionally Czech: the first of May. 

While the calendar may say that May 1st is Labor Day, the people recognize a different tradition: a celebration of the blossoming of love, coinciding with spring’s arrival. This tradition is much older than the bank holiday of Labor Day, and based on a 19th century Czech love poem by Karel Hynek Macha.

Creative way to celebrate První Máj!   

On the night before the first of May, maypoles are cut down in the forest and prepared by the men of the village. On the first of May, the maypoles are erected and decorated by the townspeople. On this day, the men kiss their sweethearts under a blossoming cherry tree to preserve the lady’s beauty for another year. At night, a group of people sneak into neighboring villages to try and steal each other’s maypoles, and whoever successfully defends their maypole wins. This means that the single men from the village can go around visiting the young single girls and giving them presents.

If you live in Prague, there is an additional tradition: In Petřín Park behind the Prague castle, there is a statue of Mácha. If you kiss your lover under the statue’s gaze, it guarantees that your love will be as strong as the stone from which the statue is made.

Statue of Macha

At night on the first of May, the youth from the town put on a May Day Ball, electing a king of the celebration, and showcasing musical and dancing abilities of the town’s youth. Nowadays, these balls have a feeling of a music festival with student parades, costumes, and various performances.

This article was written by Anne H., LAMP Spanish interpreter.