This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Calan Mai (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Calan Mai is celebrated on May 1st.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Calan Mai, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you might want to know about Calan Mai.
📅 What day is Calan Mai 2024?
In 2024, Calan Mai is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Calan Mai, also known as Calan Haf, is a yearly celebration in Welsh culture that marks the first day of summer. It takes place on May 1st and is a significant day for festivities in Wales, as it is rooted in ancient druidic traditions that are still observed today. The celebrations for Calan Mai begin on the evening of April 30th, known as “Nos Galan Haf” in Welsh, which is considered a “spirit night” when spirits are believed to be active and divination is practiced. In the past, South Wales had a tradition of lighting bonfires on this night until the mid-1800s. Calan Mai is connected to the Beltane festival and similar May Day traditions observed in other parts of Europe.
📜 Calan Mai History
Calan Mai, a significant event in ancient Wales, symbolized the arrival of spring and the start of a new agricultural cycle. It was celebrated by Welsh farmers as it marked the beginning of a season abundant with crops. Additionally, it signaled the awakening of animals from their winter hibernation, prompting some farmers to commemorate the day when their cattle began grazing in the forest again. In earlier times, the first of May was a momentous occasion, signifying the start of a fresh spring, the end of a prolonged winter, and the onset of warm weather. To rejoice in the delight of summer warmth, people would partake in festive activities such as dancing, singing, and communal feasting. Presently, the Calan Mai Festival in Wales revives these age-old customs, bringing them all together.
✅ Calan Mai Facts
🔖 The names of the towns are long
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a village in Wales, holds the distinction of having the second-longest place name in the world.
🔖 Mount Everest named after a Welshman
Sir George Everest, the surveyor, gave Mount Everest its name in honor of himself, Sir George Everest.
🔖 A land of castles
Out of all the countries in the world, Wales has the highest number of castles per square mile.
👍 Why Is Calan Mai Important
On May Day, there would be several festivities. The cows would be pastured, and families would shift from their valley (Hendre) homes to their summer pastures on higher terrain (the Hafod).
Carol singers would visit each home in May, supposedly bringing good fortune to each family. After the trials of winter, they would wish them a fruitful summer.
May 1 was associated with fire lighting in druidic times. Bonfires would ward off evil spirits, ensure a prosperous summer, and allow for cleansing and sickness prevention—a more intensive type of spring cleaning!
🙂 How To Observe Calan Mai
⚡ Try the food
⚡ Decorate your home
On the evening of May, people living in the area would gather branches and flowers to adorn their homes and mark the occasion of growth and fertility. You can also take part in this tradition as a way to celebrate and join in the festivities.
⚡ Participate in summer dancing
During the Calan Mai festivities, metheglin or mead were popular beverages. Often, it was made with herbs like woodruff, a fragrant shrub that was often used to make traditional wine.
📅 When is Calan Mai?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Calan Mai. So be sure to check back soon.