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Early May Bank Holiday
Monday, May 5, 2025
📅Past
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About This Holiday
A spring bank holiday celebrated on the first Monday in May.
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History
Originally established in 1978 to replace Whit Monday, the Early May Bank Holiday was traditionally held on the first Monday in May. It's often associated with ancient May Day celebrations and the arrival of spring. The holiday was moved in 2020 to coincide with VE Day commemorations and returned to the first Monday in May in subsequent years.
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Traditions
Traditional May Day activities include Morris dancing, maypole dancing, crowning a May Queen, and attending local fairs and festivals. Many people use the long weekend for gardening, outdoor activities, or short trips away. Some communities still practice ancient fertility and spring celebration rituals.
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Fun Facts
- ✨May Day celebrations date back to Roman times and the festival of Flora, goddess of flowers
- ✨The tradition of dancing around the maypole symbolizes the union of the masculine and feminine
- ✨Oxford's May Morning celebration sees thousands gathering at dawn to hear choirs sing from Magdalen College tower
- ✨In 2020, this bank holiday was moved to May 8th to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day
Early May Bank Holiday in Coming Years
2025
5 May
Monday
2026
4 May
Monday