In the Algarve, the arrival of this month is celebrated with the design of “Os Maios”, or “As Maias”, if talking about female dolls. An old tradition that still lingers among the population of the Algarve, who proudly show their Maios or Maias in their cities.

The Origin

The word Maios refers exactly to the name of the month in which the dolls are traditionally associated with, which in Portuguese is Maio (May). The design of these figures celebrates what the month may bring to people, such as joy, personal growth, abundance and renewal. The weather becomes warmer, and people feel happier and freer outside.

The creation of “Os Maios” dates back to times when Christianity was not yet spread in Europe like it is nowadays. It is believed that it is part of pagan rituals, which were practiced throughout the entire country. However, as time passed, some experts believe that the tradition later became a homage to the fertility goddess, called Maia. According to the experts, these homages would happen to promote fertility at home, whether for personal relations or even agriculture.

What do people do?

Everything starts on the night of 30 April, where effigies are created, known as “Os Maios”. The figures are usually made out of straw, old clothes and other materials that people may have at home. The effigies are dressed like human figures, whether male or female. Usually, they represent older people, symbolising the prior year that has already passed. In some cases, “Os Maios” represent well-known figures from political or other fields of the country. In this case, the effigies have a humorous or satirical tone, used for criticising what is currently happening in the region.

After being created, “Os Maios” are placed in some of the most important points of the city. They are usually displayed in town squares, street corners, or even in front of the designer’s house. With poems in the effigies, or even texts criticising politicians, these figures attract people from all parts of the region who like to see “Os Maios” on the streets.

In places like Olhão, on the EN125, the effigies are placed on the road, leading people to drive slowly to read the funny messages that are part of the most recent part of the tradition, which started during the Estado Novo.

The symbolism of “Os Maios”

Making these effigies is important to the Algarve population, which is still strongly linked to this tradition. To the older people who like to pursue traditions, it is important to teach children that “Os Maios” represents the cycle of life, which carries death and renewal as well. The effigies are made with recycled materials, symbolising that what is part of the past may be used in the present to make things better. In some regions, “Os Maios” are burnt, symbolising that the past must stay in the past and the new year will bring new moments of happiness.

This tradition also celebrates nature, as flowers and herbs are used to adorn the effigies. As most “Os Maios” are built in natural areas, this just shows how much people from the Algarve feel connected with the land. This connection will promote the love for Nature and the land where they are living, since building an effigy can connect people, who will tell stories about the first figure they ever made.


Preservation

Although it is not as important as it was in the past, “Os Maios” are still relevant to the Algarve people. Suffering adaptations that come with the passing of time, some people still want to promote the designing of the effigies. The work of some associations and even the local governments may be important to continue the tradition that has brought a lot of joy to many people.

What people need to know is that on the first day of May, there might be amazing effigies, designed by the population, spread across the streets. This is a great opportunity to go outside and explore more of the Algarve’s locations, while trying to find their favourite Maio or Maia.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos