Old Bohemian May Day Celebration (Řevničov)Staročeské máje v Řevničově

Staročeské máje v Řevničově is a revived folk spring festival in the village of Řevničov (Central Bohemia) centered on the traditional Maypole. Young villagers hoist a tall decorated tree (májka) in the square each May, a symbol of fertility and local pride 1. The day features a ceremonial parade led by a locally chosen May King and Queen, traditional music and dances at each decorated house, and an evening dance 2. A highlight is the auction of the large community maypole (the so-called “King of May”) 3, with the highest bidder honored as king of the festivities. This celebration emphasizes community bonding and the revival of ancient spring rituals by local youth 4.

The festival reflects an old Czech rural tradition of “stavění májek” (maypole raising) that marks the arrival of spring. In this custom, bonnets and ribbons decorate trees at girls’ homes or in the village center, and guarding the maypole is a matter of local boys’ pride 1. The maypole symbolizes nature’s renewal, love, and community prestige 2 3. The “Staročeské máje” festival revives these ancient fertility rites and spring courtship rituals, continuing a practice described as “a vivid custom in many locations” 1 2.