May 1st

One of the traditions in some places (far away from the big cities) in The Netherlands are the May fires. Originally meant to mark the change from winter to summer. It is a celebration to say farewell to the cold winter and welcome a warmer and wealthier period. Especially in earlier days with poor agriculture communities completely depending on farming and fishing; spring and summer were very welcomed seasons. The May fires were not only a celebration for a season change; it was also a very convenient way to get rid of a lot of rubbish.