On the first day of May the traditions of maypole mounting and giving may-baskets still play a significant role in the celebrations.
This is the time when boys take poles or baskets to their chosen ladies, thus implying their intention of courting. The maypole and the green branch are the symbols of nature’s revival, and also a gift of love.
What exactly is a maypole?
It is a whip tree with its branches cut off at the trunk. Young men went out at night to the forest and cut it, then mounted it in front of the house of the beloved girl. The maypoles were decorated with ribbons, handkerchiefs, flowers, bottles of wine, gilded eggs etc. before they were dug into the ground or nailed to the gate-post or well-sweep.
On the 1st May the traditions will be recalled by folk dancers in the Sóstó Open Air Village Museum. During the all-day event the visitors can also decorate gingerbread, try weaving and can ride horse-drawn carriage. If you feel hungry, you can taste retro hot-dogs and fried sausages with homemade bread.
Date:
May 1, 2024 (Wednesday) from 10:00 a.m
Location:
Sóstó Open Air Village Museum
Nyíregyháza, Skanzen u. 8.
Ticket:
Adults: HUF 2,000/person
Pensioners and students: HUF 1,000/person
Admission is free for children under 6 and over 70!