In many countries May 1st is Labor Day, but in Greece it is so much more! The month of Μάιος (May) owes its name to Maia, a nymph associated with fertility and the earth, but it is also dedicated to the goddess of agriculture Dimitra and her daughter Persephone, who emerges from Hades and comes to earth to restore life . In May we celebrate the victory of life over death and of summer over winter, a bit as if May had the magical property of making everything new.

Just before spring arrives, Greek families flock to the countryside and beaches to fly kites and enjoy a traditional picnic with friends. It's clean Monday, the beginning of Lent, a day full of fascinating customs to be enjoyed with the family, sharing tasty traditional dishes and finally spending it in the open air after the long winter.