May 1st, May Day or “Protomagia”, as it is called in Greek, has marked the celebration of spring since time immemorial. The custom has its roots in ancient Greece, in fact the festivities of today echo the traditions of antiquity. According to myth, May, the fifth month of the year, was named after the Roman goddess Maia, which is the Greek word for midwife, nurse and mother. May also-in Greece, Rome and up to the early days of the Byzantium- was dedicated to Demeter, goddess of fertility and agriculture, and her daughter, Persephone, who would then come back from the underworld after having spent the winter with Hades, her husband. Persephone’s return to earth symbolized the blooming of nature and the birth of summer. This inspired the Anthesteria: A flower festival, originating in ancient Athens and then spreading throughout the Greek world, with grandiose processions during which people would carry flowers to their sanctuaries and temples. In later years, when Romans conquered Greece, Protomagia’s celebrations lived on as Romans too, believed that flowers represent the beauty of the gods and bring power, glory, happiness and health. In the ancient cities of the Aegean islands, young girls would get up at dawn and walk to the wells, carrying the flowers they had picked on the previous day. They would fill vases with the “water of silence” and return to their homes without uttering a word. Later, they washed using the same water. Steeped in centuries of tradition and passed on from generation to generation, nowadays, May Day customs still go strong all over the country.

Folk perception stipulates that death and birth, the good and the bad coexist. Even today, everyone, except those who are in mourning, in Protomagia, prepare and hang on their doorsteps flower wreaths for health, happiness, and protection from the evil eye. These wreaths are retained until mid summer, when they are ceremoniously burnt in bonfires.

Cosmopolitan as it may be, Mykonos owes much of its allure to the fact that it keeps its traditions.

On May Day Myconian women continue to make wreaths from flowers which they collect from neighbouring Delos.They exhibit and sell their fragrant, colorful creations on the town’s beachfront -and it is a sight much revered by locals and tourists alike.

The island of winds is a beautiful place to visit with so much to see and do. Choose to travel and book one of the private villas in Mykonos during May Day and you will enjoy an interesting journey into the rich culture and traditions of the island.

Celebrate Protomagia in one of the San Marco collection of private villas in Mykonos

Located just 4 km northwest of the center of town, at the beautiful, serene Houlakia Bay, the San Marco collection of private villas in Mykonos, is a superb choice, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a luxurious hideout.

Our Sunset Villa collection  boasts 3 two bedroom villas and 1 open plan villa, to address different needs and demands. However all offer magnificent sea vistas, timeless, elegant interiors blended with opulent, state of the art amenities, as well as their very own swimming pools, in addition to the large shared pool.

What’s more, designed as they are to elevate your stay to a truly unforgettable, cherished experience, the San Marco private villas in Mykonos proffer an unsurpassed range of tailor made services.

Expect to be welcomed with the finest champagne and the freshest seasonal fruits upon arrival. Let yourselves go at the hands of our seasoned therapists by booking a personalized health or beauty treatment at your villa. And then enjoy the lovingly prepared, gourmet dinner at your private terrace. This is though but a sample of the delights that await you should you choose one of our sunset collection of private villas in Mykonos for your stay. We cordially invite you to come and find out more!