The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and my allergies are going insane. Oh, the joys of spring weather. Ancient Europeans used to celebrate the start of summer with a festival called May Day. Many European cultures still celebrate the festival, marking the prime of spring and the coming of summer.
Europeans brought their May Day celebrations to Canada and many cities adopted the holiday but have since stopped. Although its a mostly forgotten tradition, some cities in the lower mainland still celebrate the old holiday.
I grew up in Port Coquitlam where we take May Day very seriously. The event turns into a week-long celebration with activities for children every day. The week starts with an opening ceremony where you get introduced to the May Day Royal Court (PoCo elementary school students picked to carry out May Day traditions). Other local elementary school students perform maypole dances. They dance around a large pole with ribbons, weaving them into designs while dancing.
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Between the opening ceremonies and the parade at the end of the week, the City of PoCo hosts various family-friendly events. This year, Poco is hosting a Tiny Art Show displaying the works of young PoCo residents. Artist can pick up a tiny art kit at the Terry Fox Library and return it by the end of the month to be featured in the show!
The City is also hosting two art exhibit opening receptions. At The Outlet Gallery, you can find the works of Riverside Secondary students as well as a reconciliation mural created by students and local indigenous artist Kurtis Johnson. The City Hall Gallery will be hosting an exhibit by PoCo artist and Emily Carr Student, Kaiden Alford. Their paintings share their story of coming out as a queer nonbinary person. There is also going to be an outdoor choir performance in Leigh Square.
Then comes the day we’ve all been waiting for, the May Day Parade! But before the parade, the PoCo Scouts host a pancake breakfast at The Outlet from 8 am to 11 am. Bring your friends and family down for a reasonably-priced breakfast, the proceeds go to the 4th PoCo Scouts troop.
The parade starts at 11 that morning and is filled with floats, marching bands, and the May Day Royal Court. After the parade, head to Leigh Square for the after-party. Watch live local entertainment, featuring a performance by Dr. Strangelove. The Party in the Square event hosts many kid-oriented activities. The big kids and parents can grab a drink and a bite to eat at the food trucks and drink garden. After lunch, stroll through the May Days Market and browse local and artisanal shops.