Santa Barbara Revels welcomes the community to its 18th Annual May Day Celebration, a free, music-filled tradition that brings the spirit of spring to life, organizers said.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2 at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center.

Guests are invited to sing along to lively seasonal songs; learn traditional English country dances; and take part in hands-on activities that celebrate renewal (like creating nosegays and posies with fresh flowers), connection and joy, organizers said.

At the heart of the celebration is the iconic Maypole dance, a swirling ritual where participants weave colorful ribbons into intricate patterns as they circle the pole in opposite directions.

“It’s a beautiful, living tapestry of movement and music… and just as tradition demands, what is woven together is later unwoven, ready to return again next spring,” organizers said.

Since 2008, Santa Barbara Revels has invited people of all backgrounds to experience the shared joy of seasonal celebration through music, dance, storytelling and ritual.

“Join us and be joyous,” said Susan Keller, founder and artistic director.

For more about May Day and upcoming programs, visit www.santabarbararevels.org.