Rescheduling of May Day during Holy Week

The decision to reschedule the May Day holiday on Easter Tuesday was made in order to avoid disrupting the economic activity of the market during a period that is significant for commerce and consumers.

This year, May Day coincides with Great Wednesday, so the mandatory holiday was moved to Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Why the holiday changed

The decision to reschedule the May Day holiday on Easter Tuesday was made in order to avoid disrupting the economic activity of the market during a period that is significant for commerce and consumers.

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Domna Michailidou, stated: "The government honors the anniversary of Labor Day and the workers. Our policies confirm this. In the past four years, more than 310,000 Greeks have left the unemployment spectrum and are now employed. The minimum wage has increased by 20%, and as of early April, it will increase further. The average wage has also seen a corresponding increase. This is just the beginning. The further improvement of labor relations and wages for workers is a key pillar of our policy."

1st May is May Bank Holiday

May Day is generally celebrated on the 1st of May. Even though it is now associated with a bank holiday for workers hence it also being known as Labour Day, on Spetses the ancient pagan "festival of the flowers" once associated with Demeter and Persephone, is celebrated with enthusiasm.

On the rare occasions that Greek Easter Sunday falls on or near 1st May, the more ancient, somewhat pagan holiday "Festival of the Flowers" may be delayed or rescheduled.

Since May Day corresponds with the peak of the flower season in Spetses you will find May wreaths, made with flowers gathered from the hills of Spetses, decorating shops, homes, doorways, balconies, in chapels, and many other places.

The banks, post office and municipal offices are closed on the 1st of May. If the 1st happens to land on a Friday or Monday, anyone wanting to travel to or from Spetses that weekend would be advised to book their dolphin ticket early!