May Day: Folklore and Resistance

The celebration of May Day has had many incarnations, stretching from pre-Christianity through the medieval era to modern observance.

Due to its seasonal associations with new beginnings, rebirth, and the anticipation of brighter days ahead, this approximate date has been celebrated in various forms for millenia, from the Roman Floralia, to the Celtic Beltane, to the Welsh Can Mai, and more.

It is additionally celebrated internationally in the modern day as a day for political demonstrations and honouring workers' rights.

So is it a coincidence that this time of year features both some of our most long-enduring and recognisable folkloric traditions and also political activism?

Or are folklore and resistance more closely related than they may first appear?

Join us for this puzzle trail and walk where we will be exploring the folklore of various communities, and the roles it has played in activism, resistance of oppression, and political change (and of course, pub/park for chat afterwards!)

Exact location and minor details TBC but most likely somewhere in the East End.

(This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

Photo source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/23/inflatable-costumes-no-kings-protests-trump