The 1st day of May is celebrated in the Azores in a special way and with the presence of a unique element, the “May”. But before explaining what “May” is, let’s go back a little in time and contextualise the origins of these celebrations.
Ribeira Quente Parish ©
May is the fifth month of the calendar that we all know and it has 31 days. The name of the month comes from the Mayan goddess, also known as Bona Dea, goddess of spring and fertility in Roman mythology.
The month of May is celebrated with various traditions throughout Europe. These traditions go back precisely to the pagan festivals held in Ancient Rome in honour of the goddess we mentioned above. The pagan rituals were intended to celebrate the affirmation of spring, the season of the year when nature awakens. They were associated with a strong rural sense, as the season in question signalled the end of winter, which would perhaps mean a time of good agricultural harvests.
Portugal and its autonomous regions also have traditions associated with the month of May, more precisely with the first day of that month, which is known as Labour Day and is celebrated as a bank holiday. One of the most expressive and that really managed to last overtime was the tradition of the “Maios”.
The Azores are no exception to the rule and, being people that are very dedicated to traditions and culture, they also celebrate the bank holidays with the “Maios”.
It is believed to have been brought by the first settlers of the islands to mark the time of summer and to bring luck in harvests. It is also interesting to note that in some places it is believed that the presence of the “Maios” somehow pleases the spirits.
“Maios” are handmade dolls that represent people from everyday life. They are usually made from old, disposable materials (rags) and vary according to one’s creativity. The puppets are built similar to a normal person, in shape and size, trying to represent the daily activities and trades of the Azoreans, such as farmers, fishermen, shepherds, washerwomen, folklore, singers, among many other professions, traditions and ethnographic features of the Azores (such as the pilgrimages).
Ribeira Quente Parish ©
Besides these representations, many times the “Maio” is the vehicle used to expose some social criticism or satire, and may even represent some current figures of society.
After the puppets are done, they are displayed, standing or sitting, at the door, at the window, on the balcony and on the balconies of people’s houses or even in the busiest and central squares of the parishes with the purpose of attracting people’s attention.
Jornalão ©
This tradition is more visible in some of the parishes of the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira.
The tradition is kept alive thanks to the incentives from the Town Halls (that create contests), schools, several entities and associations that always try to create their own doll.
Contest in EBI de Água do Pau ©
Maios contest in Santo Espírito Hospital in Terceira Island ©