You’ve heard of May Day, but did you know Wales has its own version with deep-rooted traditions and a history that goes back centuries? It's called Calan Mai, and it was once one of the most important seasonal celebrations in the Welsh calendar. Still remembered today in parts of the country, it's a lovely glimpse into the ways communities once welcomed the warmer months.

Calan Mai, or Calan Haf, literally means the first of May or start of summer in Welsh. It’s the traditional Welsh May Day festival, and it marks the turning point from spring into the full bloom of summer. Much like its Gaelic cousin Beltane, it’s all about growth, renewal, and celebrating the return of warmth and light after the long winter.

Centuries ago, it was seen as the moment when the natural world was reawakening - animals returned to pasture, crops started to grow, and life outdoors began again. It was a big deal, especially for farming communities.

In traditional rural communities, Calan Mai was a day of bonfires, flowers, music, and fun. People would decorate their homes and village greens with hawthorn branches and seasonal flowers. In some areas, this included weaving maypoles, singing special May carols (yes, that’s a thing), and taking part in playful mock battles between “Winter” and “Summer,” with summer always winning - naturally.

Bonfires played a big role too. In some parts of Wales, especially in the south, communities would light fires using nine types of wood and jump through the flames or run between them for good health and fortune. These weren’t just parties - they were ritualistic, symbolic acts meant to bless the land and people for the season ahead.

There isn’t a huge amount of written record specific to Pembrokeshire, but it’s very likely that Calan Mai was marked in some form here - especially in rural areas and farming villages. The traditions varied slightly from region to region, but the core idea of celebrating nature, community, and new life was a shared thread across Wales.

And given Pembrokeshire's deep Celtic history and tight-knit farming roots, it’s easy to imagine locals gathering with music, flowers, and a roaring fire to see in the summer season.

While most modern May Day celebrations in Wales are now more general or have faded into broader spring events, there are still groups working to keep Calan Mai alive. In some towns, you’ll still find community gatherings, traditional music sessions, or small festivals in early May that nod to the old customs.

Even if you’re not lighting a bonfire or singing carols this year, just getting outside, enjoying the flowers, and sharing the day with friends or family is very much in the spirit of Calan Mai.

If you’re staying with us at Lamphey Court Hotel around the start of May, take a moment to soak in the fresh greenery, the bright skies, and the seasonal shift - and maybe even raise a toast to summer's arrival, just like the Welsh have done for generations.

You can find out more information about the county and its history in our "Local Information" blog series.