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May Day or the first of May was known as ‘Maialen’ in towns such as Arrigorriaga, Ugao, Arrankudiaga, Orozko and Laudio. It was also called ‘maiazlen’ elsewhere, and both terms come from ‘maiatz lehen”.

It was a special day, but we are not sure about the reason why. Furthermore, it would be hard to research it as the custom is all but forgotten. However, thanks to the documented popular beliefs, we know that it was a very special day and important for those who wanted to look after their health by taking preventive measures. In short, a way to avoid headaches and scabies was to drink milk on that day or, depending on the towns, eat roasted bacon.

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