Did you know that our Labor Day celebration is the equivalent of May Day celebration in Greece? In June 28th, 1894 the USA Congress passed an act to celebrate all efforts and labor of those individuals who contribute in our society the first Monday of September each year.
 In Greece, the same celebration takes place first day of May or May Day “ProtoMayia”. According to historical references the month of May has been named after the Greek Goddess Maia, the mother of Hermes. May-Day festivities in Greece are associated with the spring/summer spirit and a feast of flowers is a paramount theme in many cities, following a tradition with ancient roots. In ancient Greece, spring time was dedicated to appreciation of flowers. In Rhodes today, the spring/summer spirit fills the streets of old city as the annual flower festival kicks off the first week of May. The Palace of the Grand Master which is build in 14th century and located at the end of the Street of the Knights in the old city, becomes alive with brilliant splashes of spring colors on the backdrop of deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. As you stroll down the mosaic pedestrian walks and impressive arched doorways carved with emblems, you see an ample selection of Rhodian delicacies and wines that are welcoming visitors, offering the best of islanders’ hospitality and picturesque images for inspired photographers. Ancient customs continue in the “Anastenaria”, an observance which includes fire walking and dancing over pits filled with coats. The locations where visitors could enjoy unforgettable ancient celebrations are just outside of Thessaloniki in Langada and Agia Eleni near Serres.
Wildflowers
 Spring festivities have their own blueprint in the capital city of Athens, were an exhibition of flowers takes place in the upscale suburb of “Kifissia” the eve of May-Day and lasts for one week. Visitors can enjoy a walk in Kifissia’s central park were a display of beautiful flowers from all over the world adds color and energy in the well cared deep green plants. Adjacent to the park an opportunity for window shopping fills the day in Kifissia’s elegant designer shops and exquisite boutiques, or a taste of Greek ice-coffee “frappe” in one of many sophisticated cafés and restaurants. In downtown Athens, the lush National Gardens offer a selection of 15,000 domestic and exotic plants. The garden was originally planted by Amalia, the first Queen of Greece in 1839. It was a private sanctuary as it was adjoining to the Royal Palace, which is now the Parliament. In 1923 it opened to the public and since then, it is an oasis in the heart of a busy city with beautiful statues, fountain, botanical museum, duck pond, playground, handful of pretty cafes and many of the original plants, which still remain.
Cafe
 Labor Day in some parts of the USA has a gastronomical flavor with lots of Mediterranean spreads. In Cleveland, Ohio there is a culinary festival that celebrates the cultural diversity of North East, Ohio a popular tradition held at Tower City Amphitheater. The festival includes a contest the ‘Best of the Fest’ to honor aspiring chefs with the Greek food making a delicious long lasting impression. In LA, the city beats to the tunes of some great jazz music, where numerous artists take the stage and fill the city skies with melodious rhythms. Either you are in Rhodes, Athens, Cleveland or LA the cultural intersection of May Day/Labor Day is quite remarkable. All festivities have a common thread. They are related with beginning or an ending of seasons’ celebration, food, music, nature, all of which make their own contributions in our life journey.
 Simple things we enjoy today have been a celebration of people and an annual tradition since ancient times. The timeless beauty of spring colors and different seasons, the smell of flowers, music, and delicious food are simple experiences with lasting memories for thousands of years. Ω
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