International Workers' Day#United Kingdom

File:RIAN archive 697507 May 1st demonstration in Moscow.jpg

Eastern Bloc countries such as the Soviet Union and most countries of central and eastern Europe that were under the rule of Marxist–Leninist governments held official Workers' Day celebrations in every town and city, during which party leaders greeted the crowds. Workers carried banners with political slogans and many companies decorated their company cars. The biggest celebration of 1 May usually occurred in the capital of a particular socialist country and usually included a military display and the presence of the president and the secretary general of the party. During the Cold War, International Workers' Day became the occasion for large military parades in Red Square by the Soviet Union and attended by the top leaders of the Kremlin, especially the Politburo, atop Lenin's Mausoleum. It became an enduring symbol of that period. In Poland, since 1982, party leaders led the official parades. In Hungary, International Workers' Day was officially celebrated under the communist rule, and remains a public holiday. Traditionally, the day was marked by dancing around designated "May trees".{{cite web|date=30 April 2007|title=Mayday traditions and events in Hungary|url=http://www.caboodle.hu/nc/news/news_archive/single_page/article/11/mayday_tradi/?cHash=53dca10da6|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721104804/http://www.caboodle.hu/nc/news/news_archive/single_page/article/11/mayday_tradi/?cHash=53dca10da6|archive-date=21 July 2011|access-date=1 May 2011|publisher=Caboodle.hu}} Some factories in socialist countries were named in honour of International Workers' Day, such as 1 Maja Coal Mine in {{lang|pl|Wodzisław Śląski|italic=no}}, Poland. In East Germany, the holiday was officially known as {{lang|de|Internationaler Kampf- und Feiertag der Werktätigen für Frieden und Sozialismus}} ("International Day of the Struggle and Celebration of the Workers for Peace and Socialism"); similar names were used in other Eastern Bloc countries.

File:Observance of International Workers' Day RGBY.svg:

{{legend|#dd3333|Labour Day falls or may fall on 1 May}}

{{legend|#ffcc33|Another public holiday on 1 May}}

{{legend|#00af89|No public holiday on 1 May, but Labour Day on a different date}}

{{legend|#cccccc|No public holiday on 1 May and no Labour Day}}]]

In Algeria, 1 May is a public holiday celebrated as Worker's Day.{{cite web |title=Trade union leaders commend President of the Republic’s decisions in favor of workers |url=https://www.aps.dz/en/economy/52068-trade-union-leaders-commend-president-of-the-republic-s-decisions-in-favor-of-workers |website=APS |access-date=1 May 2025 |language=en |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Practical information to go on holidays to Algier with Travel by Air France |url=https://www.airfrance.co.uk/travel-guide/algiers/practical-information |website=AirFrance |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119091750/https://www.airfrance.co.uk/travel-guide/algiers/practical-information |url-status=live }}

1 May is recognized as public holiday in Angola and called Workers' Day.{{Cite web|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201305010715.html|title=Angola: World Marks International Workers' Day}}

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In Egypt, 1 May is known as Labour Day and is considered a paid holiday. The President of Egypt traditionally presides over the celebrations.{{cite web |title=Sisi attends Labor Day celebration in Alex |url=http://sis.gov.eg/Story/139744/Sisi-attends-Labor-Day-celebration-in-Alex?lang=en-us |website=sis.gov.eg |access-date=8 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512010452/http://sis.gov.eg/Story/139744/Sisi-attends-Labor-Day-celebration-in-Alex?lang=en-us |url-status=live }}

In Ethiopia, 1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as Worker's Day.{{cite news |title=Ethiopia: Upholding Workers' Right to Unionization,Bargain |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201805010445.html |work=The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa) |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414212709/https://allafrica.com/stories/201805010445.html |url-status=live }}

1 May is a holiday in Ghana. It is a day to celebrate all workers across the country. It is celebrated with a parade by trade unions and labour associations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ghanatuc.org/mayday.html|title=May Day|website=ghanatuc.org|language=en|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224182637/https://www.ghanatuc.org/mayday.html|url-status=dead}} The parades are normally addressed by the Secretary General of the trade union congress and by regional secretaries in the regions. Workers from different workplaces through banners and T-shirts identify their companies.

In Kenya, 1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as Labour Day. It is a big day addressed by the leaders of the workers' umbrella union body – the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU). The Cabinet Secretary in charge of Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (and occasionally the President) address the workers. Each year, the government approves (and increases) the minimum wage on Labour Day.{{cite news |last1=Kwach |first1=Julie |title=History of Labour Day in Kenya |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/270175-labour-day-history-kenya.html#270175 |access-date=6 May 2019 |work=Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. |date=1 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150905/https://www.tuko.co.ke/270175-labour-day-history-kenya.html#270175 |url-status=live }}

In Libya, International Workers' Day was declared a national public holiday by the National Transitional Council in 2012 the first year of the post-Qaddafi era.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120515081013/https://www.pm.gov.ly/news/621.html The transitional government on Tuesday announced a public holiday in all parts of Libya on the occasion of International Workers' Holiday]. The Libyan government transition – Prime Minister's Office (in Arabic). On 1 May 1978, then Libyan leader Colonel Mu'ammar Al-Qaddafi addressed the nation in the capital city of Tripoli calling for administrative and also economic reforms across Libya.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150512224852/http://mathaba.net/info/demindust.htm Address to the nation and call for reforms by Muammar Qaddafi, marking celebrations of International Workers' Day on 1 May 1982]}} Mathaba News Network – Archive: Democracy in Industry. Retrieved 1 May 2012.

In Mauritius, 1 May is a public holiday celebrated as Labour Day. It was celebrated for the first time in Mauritius on 1 May 1938, and for the first time as an official public holiday on 1 May 1950. This was thanks largely to the efforts of Guy Rozemont, Dr. Maurice Curé, Pandit Sahadeo and Emmanuel Anquetil, as a day of special significance for Mauritian workers who for many years had struggled for their social, political and economic rights.[http://www.mauritiustimes.com/mt/labour-day Labour Day] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425021501/http://www.mauritiustimes.com/mt/labour-day |date=25 April 2022 }} Mauritius Times article by TP Saran|

In Morocco, 1 May is recognized as a public holiday.{{cite web |title=Practical information to go on holiday to Marrakech – Travel by Air France |url=https://www.airfrance.co.uk/travel-guide/marrakech/practical-information#af-tbaf-content |website=AirFrance |language=en |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213163040/https://www.airfrance.co.uk/travel-guide/marrakech/practical-information#af-tbaf-content |url-status=live }}

Mozambique celebrates International Workers' Day on 1 May.{{cite news |title=Mozambique: Workers March On May Day |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201805020824.html |access-date=8 May 2019 |work=Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo) |date=2 May 2018 |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508182815/https://allafrica.com/stories/201805020824.html |url-status=live }}

1 May is recognized as public holiday in Namibia and celebrated as Workers' Day.{{cite web |last1=Reporter |first1=New Era |title=May Day distress over Workers' Day |url=https://neweralive.na/posts/day-distress-workers-day |website=New Era Live |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=en-ZA |date=29 April 2014 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507220406/https://neweralive.na/posts/day-distress-workers-day |url-status=live }}

Since 1981, 1 May is a public holiday in Nigeria. On the day, people gather while, traditionally, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other politicians address workers.{{cite news |last1=Iroanusi |first1=QueenEsther |title=May Day: APC, PDP, others felicitate with Nigerian workers |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/266752-may-day-apc-pdp-others-felicitate-with-nigerian-workers.html |work=Premium Times Nigeria |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507201953/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/266752-may-day-apc-pdp-others-felicitate-with-nigerian-workers.html |url-status=live }}

In Somalia, 1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as Labour Day.{{cite web |title=Labour Day Statement issued by the Federation of Somali Trade Unions |url=http://www.festu.org/labour-day-statement-issued-by-the-federation-of-somali-trade-unions/ |website=FESTU |date=1 May 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507220623/http://www.festu.org/labour-day-statement-issued-by-the-federation-of-somali-trade-unions/ |url-status=live }}

In South Africa, Workers' Day has been celebrated as a national public holiday on 1 May each year since 1995.{{cite news |title=Workers' Day 2019: A brief history |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/workers-day-2019-brief-history-1-may/ |access-date=9 May 2019 |work=The South African |date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509003438/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/workers-day-2019-brief-history-1-may/ |url-status=live }} Workers' Day started to get more attention by African workers in 1928, which saw thousands of workers in a mass march. In 1950, the South African Communist Party called for a strike on 1 May in response to the Suppression of Communism Act declaring it illegal. Police violence caused the death of 18 people across Soweto. It has its origins within the historical struggles of workers and their trade unions internationally for solidarity between working people in their struggles to win fair employment standards and more importantly, to establish a culture of human and worker rights and to ensure that these are enshrined in international law and the national law.{{cite news |last1=Akwasi |first1=Tiffany |title=Why do we celebrate workers day South Africa 2019? |url=https://briefly.co.za/27711-why-celebrate-workers-day-south-africa-2019.html |work=Briefly |date=9 April 2019 |language=en |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509002505/https://briefly.co.za/27711-why-celebrate-workers-day-south-africa-2019.html |url-status=live }}

In 1986, the hundredth anniversary of the Haymarket affair, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) called for the government to establish an official holiday on 1 May. It also called for workers to stay home from work that day.{{cite web |url=http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/l-politics-sas-may-day/ |title=The Politics of SA's May Day |first=Nthakoana |last=Ngatane |date=1 May 2018 |publisher=SABC News |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509064112/http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/l-politics-sas-may-day/ |url-status=live }} COSATU was joined by a number of prominent anti-apartheid organizations, including the National Education Crisis Committee and the United Democratic Front (South Africa).{{cite web |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-may-day-south-africa |title=The History of May Day in South Africa |date=25 April 2012 |publisher=South African History Online |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509003451/https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-may-day-south-africa |url-status=live }} The call was also supported by a number of organizations regarded as conservative, such as the African Teachers' Association of South Africa, the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce, and the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa, an organization that represented employers in the metal industries. More than 1,500,000 workers observed the call and stayed home, as did thousands of students, taxi drivers, vendors, shopkeepers, domestic workers, and self-employed people. In the following years, 1 May became a popular, if not official, holiday. As a result of the killings on 1 May 1950 and the success of COSATU's call in 1986, 1 May became associated with resistance to the apartheid government. After its first universal election in 1994, 1 May was adopted as a public holiday, celebrated for the first time in 1995. On its website, the city of Durban states that the holiday "celebrate[s] the role played by trade unions and other labour movements in the fight against South Africa's apartheid regime".{{cite web |url=http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Government/mayor_council/City_Mayor/Mayor_Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=102 |title=20th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution |date=5 December 2016 |publisher=The Official Website of the eThekwini Municipality |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415043558/http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Government/mayor_council/City_Mayor/Mayor_Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=102 |url-status=dead }}

In Tanzania, it is a public holiday on 1 May and celebrated as Worker's Day.{{cite news |title=Tanzania: Magufuli Arrives for Labour Day Celebration |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201705010436.html |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=The Citizen |first=Janeth |last=Joseph |archive-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501163555/http://allafrica.com/stories/201705010436.html |url-status=live }}

File:1st of May protest, Tunis, Tunisia.jpg, Tunisia]]

1 May is recognized as Labour Day in Tunisia, and is a paid public holiday{{cite news |title=Tunisia: Celebration in Tunis of Labour Day |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201305010643.html |access-date=8 May 2019}}

In Uganda, Labour Day is a public holiday on 1 May.{{cite news |title=As it happened: Labour Day celebrations in Agago |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1499550/live-labour-day-celebrations |access-date=8 May 2019 |work=newvision.co.ug |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508183246/https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1499550/live-labour-day-celebrations |url-status=live }}

1 May is recognized as a public holiday in Zimbabwe and called Workers' Day.{{cite news |title=Little to celebrate for Zimbabwe workers on Workers' Day |url=https://ewn.co.za/2019/05/01/little-to-celebrate-for-zimbabwe-workers-on-workers-day |access-date=8 May 2019 |work=ewn.co.za |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508183441/https://ewn.co.za/2019/05/01/little-to-celebrate-for-zimbabwe-workers-on-workers-day |url-status=live }}

In Antigua and Barbuda, Labour Day is a public holiday on the first Monday in May.{{cite web |title=Antigua and Barbuda Public Holidays |url=https://ab.gov.ag/detail_page.php?page=4 |website=Government of Antigua and Barbuda |access-date=1 May 2024}}

In Argentina, Workers' Day is an official holiday on 1 May, and is frequently associated with labour unions. Celebrations related to labour are held including demonstrations in major cities. The first Workers' Day celebration was in 1890, when Argentinian unions organized several celebrations in Buenos Aires and other cities, at the same time that the international labour movement celebrated it for the first time.[http://www.elhistoriador.com.ar/articulos/republica_liberal/primero_de_mayo_en_la_argentina.php "Primero de Mayo en la Argentina"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510074036/http://www.elhistoriador.com.ar/articulos/republica_liberal/primero_de_mayo_en_la_argentina.php |date=10 May 2012 }}. Elhistoriador.com.ar. Retrieved on 1 May 2013. In 1930, it was established as an official holiday by the Radical Civic Union president Hipólito Yrigoyen. The day became particularly significant during the worker-oriented government of Juan Domingo Perón (1946–55).[http://tradibajor.blogspot.de/2010/09/dia-del-trabajador.html Día del Trabajador y día de la Tradición: Dia del trabajador] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525140541/http://tradibajor.blogspot.de/2010/09/dia-del-trabajador.html |date=25 May 2013 }}. Tradibajor.blogspot.de. Retrieved on 1 May 2013. He permitted and endorsed national recognition of the holiday during his tenure in office.

In Barbados, International Workers' Day is a public holiday celebrated on 1 May.{{Cite web |title=May Day - Public Holiday |url=https://events.totallybarbados.com/barbados/detail/22/1714536000000 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=events.totallybarbados.com |language=en-us}}

1 May is known as Labour Day and is a holiday.[http://www.la-razon.com/index.php?_url=/sociedad/Memoria-Bolivia-festejo-mayo-consolido_0_2262973734.html En Bolivia, el festejo del 1 de mayo se consolidó en 1907] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429051414/http://www.la-razon.com/index.php?_url=/sociedad/Memoria-Bolivia-festejo-mayo-consolido_0_2262973734.html |date=29 April 2017 }}. La Razón (1 May 2016). Retrieved on 1 May 2017. By custom, it is usually the day on which wage increases (e.g., the national minimum wage) and other labour improvements are announced by the Government. In recent years it was also the day chosen by the Bolivian government to announce the (re)nationalization of strategic sectors of the economy (e.g. hydrocarbons in 2006, telecommunications in 2008, electricity in 2010, etc.).

In Brazil, "Workers' Day" is an official holiday celebrated on 1 May, and unions commemorate it with day-long public events.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ebc.com.br/noticias/brasil/2013/04/dia-do-trabalho-conheca-como-surgiu-o-feriado-do-dia-1o-de-maio |title=Dia do Trabalhador: saiba como surgiu o feriado do dia 1° de maio |website=Empresa Brasileira de Comunicação |language=pt-br |first=Edgard |last=Matsuki |date=1 May 2014 |access-date=6 May 2020 |archive-date=19 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219130414/http://www.ebc.com.br/noticias/brasil/2013/04/dia-do-trabalho-conheca-como-surgiu-o-feriado-do-dia-1o-de-maio |url-status=live }}

In Canada, Labour Day is celebrated in September. In 1894, the government of Prime Minister John Sparrow David Thompson declared the first Monday in September as Canada's official Labour Day. Labor Day in the United States is on the same day.

International Workers' Day is however marked by unions and leftists on 1 May. It is an important day of trade union and community group protest in the province of Quebec (though not a provincial statutory holiday). Celebration of the International Labour Day (or "International Workers' Day"; {{langx|fr|Journée internationale des travailleurs}}) in Montreal goes back to 1906, organized by the Mutual Aid circle. The tradition had a renaissance at the time of a mass strike in 1972. On the 1973 Labour Day, the first contemporary demonstration was organized by the major trade union confederations; over 30,000 trade unionists took part in this demonstration. Further, it is the customary date on which the minimum wage rises.{{cite web |url=http://gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/actualites/actualite/actualites_121219_salaire-minimum/?lang=en |title=Québec's minimum wage will exceed the $10 an hour mark on May 1, 2013 : Québec Portal |publisher=Gouv.qc.ca |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=17 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224653/http://gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/actualites/actualite/actualites_121219_salaire-minimum/?lang=en |url-status=live }}

File:Protestas_Parque_O`Higgins.jpg in O'Higgins Park, Santiago, on 1 May 1984.]]

President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo decreed 1 May a national holiday in 1931, in honour of the dignity of workers.[http://www.feriadoschilenos.cl/#DiaNacionalDelTrabajo Días Feriados en Chile (in Spanish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225100219/http://www.feriadoschilenos.cl/#DiaNacionalDelTrabajo |date=25 December 2017 }}. feriadoschilenos.cl. Retrieved on 1 May 2013. All stores and public services must close for the entire day, and the major trade unions of Chile, represented in the national organization Workers' United Center of Chile (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores), organize rallies during the morning hours, with festivities and cookouts in the later part of the day, in all the major cities of Chile. During these rallies, representatives of the major left-wing political parties speak to the assemblies on the issues of the day concerning workers' rights.

1 May has long been recognized as Labour Day and almost all workers respect it as a national holiday.{{cite news |title=El origen proletario del 1 de mayo |url=https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/cultura/el-origen-proletario-del-1-de-mayo-articulo-691763 |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=ELESPECTADOR.COM |date=30 April 2017 |language=ES |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507154225/https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/cultura/el-origen-proletario-del-1-de-mayo-articulo-691763 |url-status=live }} As in many other countries, it is common to see rallies by the trade unions in all over the main regional capitals of the country.{{cite web |title=Día Internacional del trabajo |url=http://colombiaaprende.edu.co/html/home/1592/article-159133.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202043803/http://www.colombiaaprende.edu.co/html/home/1592/article-159133.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2008 |website=Colombia Aprende }}

First celebrated in 1913,{{cite web |last1=Pereda |first1=Otto |title=May 1st International Workers Day |url=https://thecostaricanews.com/may-1st-international-workers-day/ |website=The Costa Rica News |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507155840/https://thecostaricanews.com/may-1st-international-workers-day/ |url-status=live }} labor day is a public holiday, and at the same time an important day for government activities. On this day, the President of Costa Rica gives a speech to the citizens and the legislature of Costa Rica about the duties that were undertaken through the previous year. The president of the legislature is also chosen by its members.{{cite news |title=Why May 1 is much more than Labor Day for Costa Rica's government |url=https://ticotimes.net/2015/05/01/why-may-1-is-much-more-than-labor-day-for-costa-ricas-government |work=The Tico Times Costa Rica |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707134046/https://ticotimes.net/2015/05/01/why-may-1-is-much-more-than-labor-day-for-costa-ricas-government |url-status=live }}

This day is known as Labour Day in Cuba. People march in the streets, showing their support to the Cuban Communist government and the Cuban Revolution during the whole morning.{{cite web |last1=Legon |first1=Elio Delgado |title=International Workers Day 2018 in Cuba |url=https://havanatimes.org/?p=132606 |website=Havana Times |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509004837/https://www.havanatimes.org/?p=132606 |url-status=live }}

In Dominica, Labour Day is a public holiday on the first Monday in May.{{cite web |title=Society of Dominica |url=https://www.commonwealthgovernance.org/countries/americas/dominica/society/ |website=Commonwealth Governance |access-date=1 May 2024}}

1 May is a national holiday known as Labour Day and celebrated by workers' parades and demonstration.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In Ecuador, 1 May is an official public holiday known as Labour Day. People do not go to work and spend time with their relatives or gather for demonstrations.{{cite web |title=Ecuador.com {{!}} Ecuador Official, National and Public Holidays |url=https://www.ecuador.com/travel/about-ecuador/official-holidays/ |website=ecuador.com |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016030656/https://www.ecuador.com/travel/about-ecuador/official-holidays/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is an official public holiday known as Labour Day.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar 2019 {{!}} U.S. Embassy in El Salvador |url=https://sv.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in El Salvador |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016030308/https://sv.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is an official public holiday known as Labour Day.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar 2019 |url=https://gt.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Guatemala |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016030040/https://gt.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is an official public holiday known as Agriculture and Labour Day.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar |url=https://ht.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Haiti |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016025647/https://ht.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is an official holiday, known as "Labour Day" within Honduras.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar 2019 |url=https://hn.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Honduras |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016031054/https://hn.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is a federal holiday. It also commemorates the Cananea Strike of 1906 in the Mexican state of Sonora.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

1 May is an official public holiday, known as "Labour Day" within Panama.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar |url=https://pa.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116032502/https://pa.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2018 |website=U.S. Embassy in Panama }}

1 May is an official public holiday, known as "Labour Day" within Paraguay.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar |url=https://py.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Paraguay |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016024952/https://py.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is an official public holiday, known as "Labour Day" within Peru.{{cite web |last1=Kirsten |first1=Tim |title=Labor Day – Dia de los Trabajadores |url=https://www.perutelegraph.com/peru-information/peruvian-public-holidays-and-festivities/labor-day-dia-de-los-trabajadores |website=PeruTelegraph |language=en |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016024658/https://www.perutelegraph.com/peru-information/peruvian-public-holidays-and-festivities/labor-day-dia-de-los-trabajadores |url-status=live }}

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, Labour Day is a public holiday on the first Monday in May.{{cite web |title=Labour Day - first Monday in May |url=https://www.historicstkitts.kn/events/labour-day-first-monday-in-may-2 |website=Historic St Kitts |access-date=1 May 2024}}

{{Main|Labor Day}}

File:Socialists in Union Square, N.Y.C. (cropped).jpg

In the United States, a "Labor Day", celebrated on the first Monday in September was given increasing state recognition from 1887, and became an official federal holiday in 1894.

Efforts to switch Labor Day from September to 1 May have not been successful.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In 1947, 1 May was established as Loyalty Day by the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars as a way to counter communist influence and recruitment at International Workers' Day rallies.{{Cite web|url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hfcwd/loyalty_day/0|title=Loyalty Day {{!}} Cultural Studies: Holidays Around the World – Credo Reference|website=search.credoreference.com|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501164448/https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hfcwd/loyalty_day/0|url-status=live}} Loyalty Day was celebrated across the country with patriotic parades and ceremonies, however the growing conflict over U.S. involvement in Vietnam detracted from the popularity of these celebrations. In 1958, the American Bar Association campaigned to have 1 May designated as Law Day, which was acknowledged in 1961 by a joint resolution of Congress.{{Cite web|url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hfcwd/law_day/0|title=Law Day {{!}} Cultural Studies: Holidays Around the World – Credo Reference|website=search.credoreference.com|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501161423/https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/hfcwd/law_day/0|url-status=live}} Law Day exercises, such as mock trials and courthouse tours, are often sponsored by the American Bar Association.

Unions and Political organizations including anarchist groups and socialist and communist parties have kept the International Workers' Day tradition alive with rallies and demonstrations. In 1919 especially large demonstrations took place, and violence greeted the normally peaceful parades in Boston, New York, and Cleveland and a number of people were killed.{{cite news|title=Socialists' May Day Parade|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19340608.2.106.12?query=%22may%20day%22%20%22new%20york%22|access-date=2 May 2017|issue=134|publisher=Auckland Star|date=8 June 1934|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010053332/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19340608.2.106.12?query=%22may%20day%22%20%22new%20york%22|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Chicago's Bombs|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19330503.2.72?query=%22may%20day%22%20%22new%20york%22|access-date=2 May 2017|volume=LXIV|issue=102|publisher=AUCKLAND STAR|date=3 May 1933|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054258/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19330503.2.72?query=%22may%20day%22%20%22new%20york%22|url-status=live}} In Milwaukee, an annual commemoration takes place at the site of the killing of seven workers during an 8-hour march. Some of the largest examples of this occurred during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when hundreds of thousands of workers marched in International Workers' Day parades in New York's Union Square, while cities like Chicago and Duluth saw large demonstrations organized by the Communist Party.

File:San Jose May Day 01.jpg, Workers' Day March, 1 May 2006]]

In 2006, 1 May was chosen by mostly Latino immigrant groups in the United States as the day for the Great American Boycott, a general strike of undocumented immigrant workers and supporters to protest H.R. 4437, immigration reform legislation that they felt was draconian.

From 10 April to 1 May of that year, immigrant families in the U.S. called for immigrant rights, workers' rights and amnesty for undocumented workers. They were joined by socialist and other leftist organizations on 1 May.{{cite web |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/137891.asp |title=Protest du Jour: May Day is rally day in Seattle |website=Seattle's Big Blog – seattlepi.com |date=1 May 2008 |access-date=1 May 2013 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707132948/http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/137891.asp |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-02-me-mayday2-story.html |title=March smaller, but festive |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2 May 2008 |access-date=1 May 2013 |archive-date=21 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521074439/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/may/02/local/me-mayday2 |url-status=live }} On 1 May 2007, a mostly peaceful demonstration in Los Angeles in support of undocumented immigrant workers ended with a widely televised dispersal by police officers. In March 2008, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union announced that dockworkers will move no cargo at any West Coast ports on 1 May 2008, as a protest against the continuation of the Iraq War and the diversion of resources from domestic needs.{{cite news |url=https://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Longshoremen-to-close-ports-on-West-Coast-to-3218746.php |title=Longshoremen to close ports on West Coast to protest war |first=Jack |last=Heyman |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511004045/https://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Longshoremen-to-close-ports-on-West-Coast-to-3218746.php |url-status=live }}

On 1 May 2012, members of Occupy Wall Street and labor unions held protests together in a number of cities in the United States and Canada to commemorate International Workers' Day and to protest the state of the economy and economic inequality.[http://maydaynyc.org/ May Day 2013 NYC {{!}} Another World is Possible] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526045605/http://maydaynyc.org/ |date=26 May 2012 }}. Maydaynyc.org (5 January 2013). Retrieved on 1 May 2013.[http://www.occupymay1st.org/ de beste bron van informatie over occupymay1st. Deze website is te koop!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419080720/http://www.occupymay1st.org/ |date=19 April 2012 }}. occupymay1st.org. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.

File:International Workers Day march in Minneapolis (4570066628).jpg group marching in Minneapolis on 1 May 2010]]

On 1 May 2017, immigrants' rights advocates, labor unions and leftists held protests against the immigration and economic policies of President Donald Trump in cities throughout the US, Chicago and Los Angeles having some of the largest marches.{{cite news|last1=Peoples|first1=Steve|last2=Taxin|first2=Amy|title=Thousands of people in US rally for workers, against Trump|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/immigrants-unions-march-in-us-for-rights-against-trump/2017/05/01/ab76c332-2e26-11e7-a335-fa0ae1940305_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501080015/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/immigrants-unions-march-in-us-for-rights-against-trump/2017/05/01/ab76c332-2e26-11e7-a335-fa0ae1940305_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 May 2017|access-date=1 May 2017|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=1 May 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Yee|first1=Vivian|title=On May Day, Protesters Take to the Streets Nationwide|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/us/may-day-loyalty-day-protests-trump.html|access-date=1 May 2017|newspaper=The New York Times|date=1 May 2017|archive-date=16 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216143927/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/us/may-day-loyalty-day-protests-trump.html|url-status=live}}

On 1 May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, "workers at Amazon, Whole Foods, Instacart, Walmart, FedEx, Target, and Shipt say they will walk off the job ... to protest their employers’ failure to provide basic protections for frontline workers who are risking and losing their lives at work."{{Cite web|title=Amazon, Whole Foods, Instacart Workers Organize a Historic Mass Strike|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/n7j8zw/amazon-whole-foods-instacart-workers-organize-a-historic-mass-strike|last=Gurley|first=Lauren Kaori|date=29 April 2020|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501040234/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/n7j8zw/amazon-whole-foods-instacart-workers-organize-a-historic-mass-strike|url-status=live}} Additionally, on the same day, there will be a rent strike, the largest in nearly a century.{{Cite web|title=With Millions Unable to Pay for Housing Next Month, Organizers Plan the Largest Rent Strike in Nearly a Century|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/04/25/coronavirus-rent-strike-may/|last=Lennard|first=Natasha|date=25 April 2020|website=The Intercept|language=en-US|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=29 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429223955/https://theintercept.com/2020/04/25/coronavirus-rent-strike-may/|url-status=live}}

On 1 May 2021, black bloc protesters clashed with police in Oakland & Portland. Numerous other activities occurred across the country.{{cite news|last1=|first1=|title=Anarchist And Autonomous Groups Hit Streets; Hold Public Events On May Day 2021|url=https://itsgoingdown.org/may-day-2021/|access-date=13 September 2021|newspaper=Its Going Down|date=3 May 2021|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913202312/https://itsgoingdown.org/may-day-2021/|url-status=live}}

In Uruguay, 1 May – Workers' Day – is an official holiday. Even when it is associated with labour unions, almost all workers tend to respect it. Since the late 1990s, the main event takes place at the First of May Square in Montevideo.{{cite web |title=Plaza Primero de Mayo |url=https://municipioc.montevideo.gub.uy/node/69 |website=Municipio C |publisher=Gobierno de Montevideo |access-date=1 May 2025}}

In Venezuela, Workers' Day ({{lang|es|El Día del Trabajador}}) is celebrated on 1 May since 1936, but from 1938 to 1945 it was held on 24 July, by an order of Eleazar López Contreras. However, Isaías Medina Angarita changed it back to 1 May in 1945.[http://www.magazine.com.ve/cultura/index.php?id=6897&idSec=13&accion=detalle Día del Trabajador en Venezuela – Magazine Digital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903103604/http://www.magazine.com.ve/cultura/index.php?id=6897&idSec=13&accion=detalle |date=3 September 2012 }}. Magazine.com.ve (30 July 2007). Retrieved on 1 May 2013.

File:1952-05 1952年5月五一劳动节.png

1 May is a statutory holiday in the People's Republic of China. It was a three-day holiday before 2008, but was only one day from 2008 onward.{{cite news |title=China scraps one of three Golden Week holidays |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/life-china-holidays-dc-idUKPEK14649920071216 |access-date=13 April 2022 |work=Reuters |date=16 December 2007 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413053106/https://www.reuters.com/article/life-china-holidays-dc-idUKPEK14649920071216 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=调与休：黄金周长假的变迁|trans-title=Reconcile and rest: the change of Golden Week vacation|url=http://politics.people.com.cn/n/2013/1127/c70731-23676181.html|date=2013-11-27|access-date=13 April 2022|language=Chinese|work=People's Daily|agency=Xinhua News Agency|quote=从2000年国庆放假开始，对国庆、春节和劳动节这三个节的休假时间进行了统一调整，移动节日前后的两个周末四天和法定假期三天集中休假，这样共计7天时间[……]2008年，五一法定假期从3天改为1天，意味着五一黄金周被取消。|trans-quote=Starting from the National Day holiday in 2000, the vacation time of the three festivals, National Day, Spring Festival and Labor Day, was adjusted, moving the two weekends before and after the holiday for four days and the legal holiday for three days to focus on vacation, so that a total of 7 days [...] In 2008, the May Day legal holiday was changed from 3 days to 1 day, meaning that the May Day Golden Week was cancelled.|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413052529/http://politics.people.com.cn/n/2013/1127/c70731-23676181.html|url-status=live}} During a Golden Week, surrounding weekends are rescheduled so that workers have seven continuous days off before 2009 and four to five continuous days after 2018.{{cite news|date=2019-11-28|title="五一"假期延长至5天 解读黄金周背后的假如|trans-title="May Day" holiday extended to 5 days: Explaining the assumptions behind the Golden Week|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2019-11/28/c_1125283926.htm|language=Chinese|work=Xinhuanet|publisher=Chengdu Business News|quote=2020年则是在延续2019年“五一”休假安排的基础上，进一步拓展，通过调休再多增加了一天节日休假时间，从而形成了5天的“小长假”。|trans-quote=In 2020, on the basis of the continuation of the "May Day" vacation arrangement in 2019, it further expands by adding one more day of holiday vacation time through the transfer, thus forming a 5-day "mini vacation".|access-date=13 April 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413052532/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2019-11/28/c_1125283926.htm|url-status=live}}

In Hong Kong, 1 May is known as Labour Day and has been considered a public holiday since 1999.{{cite news|date=2012-07-01|title=新闻背景：香港回归15年大事记|trans-title=News Background: Events in the 15 years since Hong Kong's return to China |url=https://www.chinanews.com/ga/2012/07-01/3998742.shtml|language=Chinese|publisher=China News Service|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=2 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702000613/http://www.chinanews.com/ga/2012/07-01/3998742.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|title=僱傭條例簡明指南 - 第四章：休息日、法定假日及有薪年假|last=香港勞工署|url=https://www.labour.gov.hk/tc/public/pdf/wcp/ConciseGuide/04.pdf|access-date=2022-04-30|archive-date=2022-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112065423/https://www.labour.gov.hk/tc/public/pdf/wcp/ConciseGuide/04.pdf}}

In Macau, it is a public holiday and is officially known as {{lang|pt|Dia do Trabalhador}} (Portuguese for "Workers' Day").{{Cite web |title=2023 |url=https://www.gov.mo/pt/public-holidays/year-2023/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Portal do Governo da RAE de Macau |language=pt-PT |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501123231/https://www.gov.mo/pt/public-holidays/year-2023/ |url-status=live }}

1 May is known as Labor Day in Taiwan, an official holiday, though not everybody gets a day off. Students and teachers do not have this day off.{{cite web |title=台灣國定假日與節日 – 2019年年曆 |url=https://holidays-calendar.net/calendar_zh_tw/taiwan_zh_tw.html |website=holidays-calendar.net |language=zh |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501163806/https://holidays-calendar.net/calendar_zh_tw/taiwan_zh_tw.html |url-status=live }}

File:NUGW May Day 2011.jpg May Day march, Tokyo]]

{{See also|Labor Thanksgiving Day}}

International Workers' Day is not officially designated by the Japanese government as a national holiday, but as it lies between other national holidays, it is a day off work for the vast majority of Japanese workers. Many employers give it as a day off, and otherwise workers take it as "paid leave". 1 May occurs during "Golden Week", together with 29 April ("Shōwa Day"), 3 May ("Constitution Memorial Day"), 4 May ("Greenery Day") and 5 May ("Children's Day").{{cite web |url=http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html |title=Golden Week |publisher=Japan-guide.com |date=13 May 2009 |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-date=16 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016170859/http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html |url-status=live }} Workers generally take the day off work not so much to join street rallies or labour union gatherings, but more to go on holiday for several consecutive days (in Japanese corporate culture, taking weekdays off for personal pleasure is widely frowned upon).{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Some major labour unions organize rallies and demonstrations in Tokyo,{{cite news |title=全労連メーデーもオンライン中継 「希望ある未来を切り開こう」 |trans-title=Zenroren also broadcast May Day live online: "Let's Create A Future Of Hope." |url=https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/557241 |access-date=13 April 2022 |work=Kyoto Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413054404/https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/557241 |url-status=live }} Osaka, and Nagoya.{{cite news |title=メーデー：大阪、名古屋でも集会 |trans-title=Rallies in Osaka and Nagoya |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170501/k00/00e/040/211000c |access-date=13 April 2022 |work=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413054256/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20170501/k00/00e/040/211000c |url-status=live }} Japan has a long history of labour activism and has had a communist and socialist party in the Diet since 1945. In 2008, the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenrōren) held a rally in Yoyogi Park attended by 44,000 participants, while the National Trade Unions Council (Zenrōkyō) held its International Workers' Day rally at Hibiya Park.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Rengō, the largest Japanese trade union, held its International Workers' Day rally on the following Saturday (3 May), allegedly to distance itself from the more radical labour unions.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}}

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 1 May is known as International Workers' Day, and is a public holiday. Celebrations, local meetings and rallies are held every year throughout the country to honor the holiday.{{cite news |last1=Ah |first1=Seol Song |title=May Day in North Korea exposes new class divisions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/02/may-day-north-korea-exposes-class-divisions |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=2 May 2014 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507174339/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/02/may-day-north-korea-exposes-class-divisions |url-status=live }} The Rungnado May Day Stadium in the capital of Pyongyang is named in honor of the holiday.

In the Republic of Korea, 1 May is known simply as "Workers' Day". It is not a public holiday, but a paid holiday for workers by the Designation of Workers' Day Act.{{refn|group=nb|5월 1일을 근로자의 날로 하고 이 날을 "근로기준법"에 의한 유급휴일로 한다. ("The first day of May each year shall be designated as Workers' Day, which shall be a paid holiday under the 'Labor Standards Act'.)"{{cite web |url=https://elaw.klri.re.kr/kor_service/lawView.do?hseq=40244&lang=ENG |title=Designation Of Workers' Day Act |website=Statutes of Republic of Korea |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501050936/https://elaw.klri.re.kr/kor_service/lawView.do?hseq=40244&lang=ENG |url-status=live }}}}

Labour Day ({{langx|sq|Dita e punëtorëve}}) is an official holiday celebrated on 1 May and thus schools and most businesses are closed.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar |url=https://al.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Albania |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017221544/https://al.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

Labour Day ({{langx|hy|Աշխատանքի օր}}, {{lang|hy-Latn|ashxatanki or}}) is an official holiday celebrated on 1 May.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar |url=https://am.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Armenia |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017233752/https://am.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

File:Wien - SPÖ-Maiaufmarsch (a).JPG at Rathausplatz in Vienna]]

Labour Day ({{lang|de|Tag der Arbeit}}), officially called {{lang|de|Staatsfeiertag}} (state's holiday), is a public holiday in Austria. Left parties, especially social democrats organize celebrations with marches and speeches in all major cities. In smaller towns and villages those marches are held the night before.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In Belgium, Labour Day ({{langx|nl|Dag van de Arbeid}}, {{lang|nl|Feest van de Arbeid}}, {{langx|fr|Journée des travailleurs}}, {{lang|fr|Fête du travail}}), is observed on 1 May and is an official holiday since 1948.{{cite web |last1=BE |first1=Admin |title=Labour day: Why do we celebrate? |url=https://brussels-express.eu/labour-day-why-do-we-celebrate/ |website=Brussels Express |access-date=7 May 2019 |date=1 May 2018 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507184628/https://brussels-express.eu/labour-day-why-do-we-celebrate/ |url-status=live }} Various socialist and communist organizations hold parades and other events in different cities.{{cite web |title=Fête du travail {{!}} Dag van de Arbeid {{!}} |url=http://www.fetedutravail.be/ |website=Fête du travail {{!}} Dag van de Arbeid |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=fr-BE |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507184628/http://www.fetedutravail.be/ |url-status=live }}

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1 and 2 May (Bosnian and {{langx|sr-Latn|Prvi Maj}} / {{lang|sr-Cyrl|Први Mај}}, {{langx|hr|Prvi Svibanj}}) are an official holiday and day-off for public bodies and schools at the national level. Most people celebrate this holiday by visiting natural parks and resorts. Additionally, in some places public events are organized. In its capital city, Sarajevo, 12 and 13 June are also celebrated as Labour day due to its many natural parks and springs.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Labour Day is one of the public holidays in Bulgaria, where it is known as Labour Day and International Workers' Solidarity Day ({{langx|bg|Ден на труда и на международната работническа солидарност}}) and celebrated annually on 1 May.{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.bg/bg/24|title=Народно събрание на Република България – Български официални празници|publisher=Parliament of Bulgaria|language=bg|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427172928/https://parliament.bg/bg/24|url-status=live}} The first attempt to celebrate it was in 1890 by the Bulgarian Typographical Association. In 1939, Labour Day was declared an official holiday. Since 1945 the communist authorities in the People's Republic of Bulgaria began to celebrate the holiday every year. After the end of socialism in Bulgaria in 1989 Labour Day continues to be an official and public holiday, but state authorities are not committed to the organization of mass events.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

In Croatia, 1 May is a national holiday, Labour Day. Many public events are organized and held all over the country where bean soup is given out to all people as a symbol of a real workers' dish. Red carnations are also handed out to symbolise the origin of the day. In Zagreb, the capital, a major gathering is in Maksimir Park, which is located in the east part of Zagreb. In Split, city on the coast, people go to Marjan, a park-forest at the western end of Split peninsula.{{cite web |title=Croatia Celebrates May Day |url=https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-celebrates-may-day/ |website=Croatia Week |date=May 2015 |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507182650/https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-celebrates-may-day/ |url-status=live }}

In Cyprus, 1 May ({{langx|el|Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά}}) is considered as an official Public Holiday (Labour Day). In general, all stores remain closed in public and private sector. The Labor Union and Syndicates celebrate with various festivals and events across the country.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In the Czech Republic, 1 May is an official and national holiday known as Labour Day ({{langx|cs|Svátek práce}}).{{cite web |title=RTE Customer's area – Public holidays in Europe |url=http://clients.rte-france.com/lang/an/visiteurs/vie/vie_jours_feries.jsp |website=clients.rte-france.com |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813075923/https://clients.rte-france.com/lang/an/visiteurs/vie/vie_jours_feries.jsp |url-status=live }}

In Denmark, 1 May is not an official holiday, but a variety of individuals, mostly in the public sector, construction industry, and production industry, get a half or a whole day off. It was first celebrated in Copenhagen in 1890. The location of the first celebration, the Fælledparken, still plays an important part today with speeches by politicians and trade unionists to mark the occasion. Many other events are also held around the country to commemorate the day.{{cite news |title=Labour Day: your guide to May 1st in Denmark |url=https://www.thelocal.dk/20190501/labour-day-in-denmark-why-is-it-so-special |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=thelocal.dk |date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507052016/https://www.thelocal.dk/20190501/labour-day-in-denmark-why-is-it-so-special |url-status=live }}

In Estonia, 1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as part of May Day (Kevadpüha). It also coincides with Walpurgis Day (volbripäev).{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

File:Vappu2005kuvaPK.jpg, Finland]]

In Finland, 1 May is an official and national holiday. It is mainly celebrated as a feast of students, and spring, called {{lang|fi|vappu}} or Walpurgis Night.{{cite web |title=Finland shows carnival colours on May Day |url=https://finland.fi/life-society/finland-shows-carnival-colours-on-may-day/ |website=thisisFINLAND |date=18 January 2015 |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=13 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013181105/https://finland.fi/life-society/finland-shows-carnival-colours-on-may-day/ |url-status=live }} Finland also celebrates Workers' Day (officially: {{lang|fi|suomalaisen työn päivä}}, "day of Finnish labour") on the same day.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

File:Wpi france.jpg, France]]

In France, 1 May is a public holiday called Workers' Day ({{langx|fr|Fête du Travail}}). It is, in fact, the only day of the year when employees are legally obliged to be given leave, save professions that cannot be interrupted due to their nature (such as workers in hospitals and public transport).{{cite web |url=http://www.service-public.fr/actualites/00790.html |title=Fêtes légales et jours fériés|date=24 April 2012 |access-date=1 May 2012 |publisher=Government of France |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503210415/http://service-public.fr/actualites/00790.html |archive-date=3 May 2012 }} Demonstrations and marches are a Labour Day tradition in France, where trade unions organize parades in major cities to defend workers' rights.

It is also customary to offer a lily of the valley to friends or family. This custom dates back to 1561, when king Charles IX, aged 10, waiting for his accession to the throne, gave a lily of the valley to all ladies present. Today, the fiscal administration exempts individuals and workers' organizations from any tax or administrative duties related to the sales of lilies of the valley, provided they are gathered from the wild, and not bought to be resold.

In April 1933, the recently installed Nazi government declared 1 May the "Day of National Work", an official state holiday, and announced that all celebrations were to be organized by the government. Any separate celebrations by Communists, Social Democrats or labour unions were banned.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} After World War II, 1 May remained a state holiday in both East and West Germany. In communist East Germany, workers were de facto required to participate in large state-organized parades on International Workers' Day.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} Today in Germany it is simply called "Labour Day" ({{lang|de|Tag der Arbeit}}), and there are numerous demonstrations and celebrations by independent workers' organizations. Today, Berlin witnesses yearly demonstrations on Labour Day, the largest organised by labour unions, political parties, the far left and the leftist {{lang|de|Autonomen}}.

File:1. Mai 2013 in Hannover. Gute Arbeit. Sichere Rente. Soziales Europa. Umzug vom Freizeitheim Linden zum Klagesmarkt. Menschen und Aktivitäten (168).jpg, Germany, 1 May 2013]]

Since 1987, Labour Day has also become known for riots in some districts of Berlin. After police actions against radical leftists in that year's annual demonstrations, the Autonomen scattered and sought cover at the ongoing annual street fair in Kreuzberg. Three years prior to the reunification of Germany, violent protests would only take place in the former West Berlin. The protesters began tipping over police cars, violently resisting arrest, and began building barricades after the police withdrew due to the unforeseen resistance. Cars were set on fire, shops plundered and burned to the ground. The police eventually ended the riots the following night. These violent forms of protests by the radical left later increasingly involved participants without political motivation.{{Cite journal|date=April 2005|title=Geschichte des Kreuzberger 1. Mai|url=https://www.gegeninformationsbuero.de/mai/mai2005_zeitung.pdf|journal=Mai Zeitung|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308003447/https://www.gegeninformationsbuero.de/mai/mai2005_zeitung.pdf|url-status=live}}

Annual street fairs have proven an effective way to prevent riots, and Labour Day in 2005 and 2006 have been among the most peaceful known to Berlin in nearly 25 years. In recent years, neo-Nazis and other groups on the far right, such as the National Democratic Party of Germany, have used the day to schedule public demonstrations, often leading to clashes with left-wing protesters, which turned especially violent in Leipzig in 1998 and 2005.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

Labour Day violence flared up again in 2010. After an approved far-right demonstration was blocked by leftists, a parade by an estimated 10,000 leftists and anarchists turned violent and resulted in an active response by the Berlin Police.{{cite web |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5529267,00.html |title=Police battle rioters in May Day clashes |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2 May 2010 |access-date=21 June 2010 |archive-date=6 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506072353/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5529267,00.html |url-status=live }}

In Greece, 1 May is an optional public holiday, but is treated by workers as a strike. The Ministry of Labour retains the right to classify it as an official public holiday on an annual basis, and it customarily does so.{{cite web |title=Celebrations and Public Holidays |url=http://www.eaed.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2415:2009-11-13-11-19-57&catid=244:-2009&Itemid=285 |publisher=IKA Review of Insurance and Labour Law |access-date=1 May 2013 |language=el |archive-date=25 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525141803/http://www.eaed.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2415:2009-11-13-11-19-57&catid=244:-2009&Itemid=285 |url-status=live }} The day is called {{lang|el-Latn|Ergatikí Proto-magiá}} ({{lang|el|Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά}}, {{abbr|lit.|literally}} "Workers' 1 May") and celebrations are marked by demonstrations in which left-wing political parties, anti-authority groups, and workers' unions participate.

On Workers' Day in 2010, there were major protests all over Greece, most notably Athens and Thessaloniki, by many left, anarchist and communist supporters and some violent clashes with riot police who were sent out to contain the protesters. They opposed economic reforms, an end to job losses and wage cuts in the face of the government's proposals of massive public spending cuts. These reforms are to fall in line with the IMF-EU-ECB loan proposals, which demand that Greece liberalize its economy and cut its public spending and private sector wages, which many believe will decrease living standards.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8655711.stm | work=BBC News | title=Protesters confront Greek police | date=1 May 2010 | access-date=2 May 2010 | archive-date=7 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507104348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8655711.stm | url-status=live }}

Hungary celebrates 1 May as a national holiday, Workers' Day ({{langx|hu|A munka ünnepe}}), with open-air festivities and fairs all over the country. Many towns raise May poles and festivals with various themes are organized around the holiday. Left-wing parties and trade unions hold public rallies commemorating Labour Day.{{cite web |title=About Hungary – Hungarians celebrate Labor Day |url=http://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/hungarians-celebrate-labor-day/ |website=abouthungary.hu |date=May 2019 |language=en |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211005641/https://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/hungarians-celebrate-labor-day/ |url-status=live }}

In Iceland, Labour Day ({{langx|is|Baráttudagur verkalýðsins}}) is a public holiday. The first demonstration for workers rights in Iceland occurred in 1923. A parade composed of trade unions and other groups marches through towns and cities across the country and speeches are delivered.{{citation|title=Schedule for May 1 Labour Day march and two rival meetings in downtown Reykjavík {{!}} However many stores nowadays are open and pay higher salaries to the workers instead on this day.}} However, some private businesses are open, mainly in the capital.{{cite web |title=Public holidays in Iceland : When are holidays in Iceland : Iceland Travel Guide |url=https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-guide/information/public-holidays/ |website=iceland.nordicvisitor.com |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017230139/https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-guide/information/public-holidays/ |url-status=live }}

File:May Day, Belfast, April 2011 (077).JPG, 2011]]

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) marks International Workers' Day with rallies in Belfast and Dublin and other events such as lectures, concerts and film screenings also take place around a wider International Workers' Day festival.{{cite web |title=Labour Day Celebrated in Dublin {{!}} Century Ireland |url=https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/blog/labour-day-celebrated-in-dublin |website=rte.ie |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017232136/https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/blog/labour-day-celebrated-in-dublin |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Where to enjoy May Day in Northern Ireland this year! |url=https://www.belfasttimes.co.uk/where-to-enjoy-may-day-in-northern-ireland-this-year/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427115200/http://www.belfasttimes.co.uk/where-to-enjoy-may-day-in-northern-ireland-this-year/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2016 |website=Belfast Times |date=27 April 2016 }} The first Monday in May has been a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland since 1994{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/si/91/made/en/print|title=S.I. No. 91/1993 – Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973 (Public Holiday) Regulations, 1993.|work=Irish Statute Book|access-date=8 May 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225122537/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/si/91/made/en/print|url-status=live}} and in Northern Ireland since 1978.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bt.com/|title=Fibre Broadband, TV Packages, BT Sport & Mobile Deals | BT|website=www.bt.com|access-date=6 April 2021|archive-date=6 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406154822/https://www.bt.com/|url-status=live}} In the Republic the public holiday was demanded by the ICTU{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/archives/2015/0429/697515-may-day-why-not-a-holiday/|title=RTÉ Archives: May Day Why Not A Holiday?|date=29 April 2015|work=RTÉ.ie|access-date=8 May 2018|archive-date=8 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508185501/http://www.rte.ie/archives/2015/0429/697515-may-day-why-not-a-holiday/|url-status=live}} and proposed by the Labour Party in negotiating its 1992–94 coalition government with Fianna Fáil, and marked the centenary of the ICTU's predecessor, the Irish Trades Union Congress.{{cite web |url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail1993070900061#N451 |quote=The Programme for a Partnership Government also committed the Government to appoint the first Monday in May to be a public holiday with effect from 1994, in recognition of the centenary of the foundation of the Irish Trades Union Congress. In deciding to introduce a new public holiday, the Government also took account of the fact ... that nine of our EC partners have a public holiday early in May. |title=Vote 44: An Chomhairle Ealaíon |last=Quinn |first=Ruairí |date=9 July 1993 |work=Dáil Éireann Debates |publisher=Oireachtas |pages=Vol.433 No.8 p.61 c.2084 |access-date=8 May 2018 |archive-date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508185226/http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail1993070900061#N451 |url-status=live }} The public holiday has no official designation, as "Workers' Day" or otherwise.{{cite web|url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/public_holidays_in_ireland.html|title=Public holidays|date=20 March 2018|publisher=Citizens Information Board|access-date=8 May 2018|location=Dublin|archive-date=17 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117072632/http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/public_holidays_in_ireland.html|url-status=live}} In 2005, Labour's Ruairi Quinn condemned an alleged Fianna Fáil proposal to replace the May holiday with one on 24 April commemorating the 1916 Rising as a slight to workers. The proposal was, in actuality, for an extra holiday – rather than a replacement.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-denies-plan-to-axe-bank-holiday-226910.html|title=Fianna Fáil denies plan to axe bank holiday|date=24 October 2005|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510051336/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-denies-plan-to-axe-bank-holiday-226910.html|url-status=live}}

File:Rome concert 1-5-2007 crowd 2.jpg]]

The first International Workers' Day celebration in Italy took place in 1890. It started initially as an attempt to celebrate workers' achievements in their struggle for their rights and for better social and economic conditions.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} It was abolished under the Fascist regime and immediately restored after the Second World War. (During the fascist period, a "Holiday of the Italian Labour" ({{lang|it|Festa del lavoro italiano}}) was celebrated on 21 April, the date of {{lang|it|Natale di Roma}}, when Rome was allegedly founded.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}) In 1947, following an unexpected electoral victory of the Popular Democratic Front in Sicily, local secessionists and pro-USA mafia hitmen killed 14 and injured 27 firing machine guns at an International Workers' Day celebration in the Portella della Ginestra Massacre.

International Workers' Day is now an important celebration in Italy and is a national holiday regardless of what day of the week it falls. The {{lang|it|Concerto del Primo Maggio}} ("1st of May Concert"), organized by Italian labour unions in Rome in Piazza di Porta San Giovanni has become an important event in recent years. Every year the concert is attended by a large audience of mostly young people and involves the participation of many famous bands and songwriters, lasting from 15:00 until midnight. The concert is usually broadcast live on Rai 3.{{Cite web |title=Rai: In tv, alla radio e sul web un Primo Maggio per il lavoro |url=https://www.rai.it/ufficiostampa/articoli/2023/04/Rai-In-tv-alla-radio-e-sul-web-un-Primo-Maggio-per-il-lavoro-d87beb39-5021-4d5e-8075-b43f4170b871.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=RAI Ufficio Stampa |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707134500/https://www.rai.it/ufficiostampa/assets/template/us-articolo.html?ssiPath=/articoli/2023/04/Rai-In-tv-alla-radio-e-sul-web-un-Primo-Maggio-per-il-lavoro-d87beb39-5021-4d5e-8075-b43f4170b871-ssi.html |url-status=live }} A second big concert is organised in the city of Taranto and it is transmitted locally by TGR Apulia.

In Lithuania, 1 May is an official public holiday celebrated as International Work Day ({{langx|lt|Tarptautinė darbo diena}}).{{cite web |title=Events, fiestas and entertainments in Lithuania |url=https://www.migration.lt/events-fiestas-and-entertainments-in-lithuania |website=migration.lt |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017224807/https://www.migration.lt/events-fiestas-and-entertainments-in-lithuania |url-status=live }} Celebrations for workers' day were mandatory during the Soviet occupation, and carry a negative connotation as a result today. As Lithuania declared its independence in 1990, Work Day lost its public holiday status, but regained it in 2001.{{cite web |title=May Day holiday returns to Lithuania |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/6353/ |website=baltictimes.com |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017224920/https://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/6353/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Labour Day: how the celebrations look like in Vilnius? (PHOTO) |url=http://l24.lt/en/society/item/10157-labour-day-how-the-celebrations-look-like-in-vilnius |website=l24.lt |language=en-gb |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017224759/http://l24.lt/en/society/item/10157-labour-day-how-the-celebrations-look-like-in-vilnius |url-status=live }}

In Latvia, Labour Day is an official public holiday celebrated as Convocation of the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia, Labour Day.{{cite web |title=National Holidays |url=https://www.latvia.eu/history/national-holidays |website=[Latvia.eu] |language=en |date=3 February 2015 |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904025833/https://www.latvia.eu/history/national-holidays |url-status=dead }}

In Luxembourg, 1 May, called the {{lang|lb|Dag vun der Aarbecht}} ("Labour Day"), is a legal holiday traditionally associated with large demonstrations by trade unions in Luxembourg City and other cities.{{cite web |title=Labour Day in Luxembourg |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/meekranz-labour-day.html |website=luxembourg.public.lu |language=en |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418133005/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/meekranz-labour-day.html |url-status=live }}

In Malta, 1 May is an official public holiday celebrated as "Workers' Day",{{cite web|url=https://gov.mt/en/About%20Malta/Public%20Holidays/Pages/Public-Holidays-in-MAlta.aspx|title=Public Holidays in Malta|year=2018|publisher=Government of Malta|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201144548/https://www.gov.mt/en/About%20Malta/Public%20Holidays/Pages/Public-Holidays-in-Malta.aspx|url-status=live}} together with the religious feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. (Saint Joseph's Day, 19 March, the saint's main feast, is also a public holiday in Malta). A Labour mass meeting takes place on 1 May. Nationalists celebrate accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

In Montenegro, 1 May is an official public holiday and a day off work and a day out of school. It is the only official holiday from socialist times that is still officially celebrated.{{cite web |title=Holiday Calendar 2019 |url=https://me.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |website=U.S. Embassy in Montenegro |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016022730/https://me.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=live }}

In the Netherlands, 1 May or Labour Day ({{langx|nl|Dag van de Arbeid}}) is not an official holiday. This is due in part to its proximity to the national holiday, Koningsdag, which was celebrated on the day before until 2013. Labour movements also didn't see the need to agitate for an extra day off during the Post–World War II recovery efforts. Liberals who joined the Labour Party in this same period also wanted to distance themselves from the Soviet Union because of Cold War sentiments.{{cite web|date=2019-05-01|title=Waarom 1 mei in Nederland maar geen vrije dag is|trans-title=Why 1 May isn't a day off in the Netherlands|url=https://www.ad.nl/ad-werkt/waarom-1-mei-in-nederland-maar-geen-vrije-dag-is~a52f4967/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Algemeen Dagblad|language=nl|archive-date=7 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707094222/https://www.ad.nl/ad-werkt/waarom-1-mei-in-nederland-maar-geen-vrije-dag-is~a52f4967/|url-status=live}} A small number of public servants has the day off, as well as bank employees and financial traders as the European banking system is not open that day.

File:Prvomajska proslava vo Skopje, 1909.jpg in Skopje, 1909]]

In North Macedonia, 1 May ({{langx|mk|Ден на Трудот}}, {{lang|mk-Latn|Den na Trudot}}) is an official public holiday. Before 2007, 2 may was also a public holiday. People celebrate with friends and family at traditional picnics across the country, accompanied by the usual outdoor games, various grilled meats and beverages. Left organizations and some trade unions organize protests on 1 May.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dmwc.org.mk/2017/04/30/international-workers-day-1st-of-may-in-macedonia/|title=International Workers' Day, 1st of May in Macedonia • Dobredojde Macedonia Welcome Centre|date=30 April 2017|access-date=16 October 2019|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016024045/https://www.dmwc.org.mk/2017/04/30/international-workers-day-1st-of-may-in-macedonia/|url-status=live}}

File:Jens stoltenberg1.jpg gives his 1 May speech in 2009 in Oslo, Norway.]]

In Norway, Labour Day ({{langx|no|Arbeidernes Dag}}) is celebrated 1 May and has been an official public holiday since 1947.{{Cite web|url=http://snl.no/F%C3%B8rste_mai|title=Første mai|first1=Åsmund Borgen|last1=Gjerde|first2=Bjørn|last2=Thingsaker|date=2 May 2021|via=Store norske leksikon|access-date=3 May 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504175939/https://snl.no/F%C3%B8rste_mai|url-status=live|language = Norwegian}} It was first introduced by the workers movement in 1890,{{cite book |last=Terjesen|first=Einar A.|date=1990|title=Maidagen : 1. mai-feiringens historie i Norge|url=https://www.nb.no/maken/item/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2007112200072/open|trans-title=May Day: The history of the celebration of the 1st of May in Norway|language=Norwegian|location=Norway|publisher=Tiden Norsk Forlag|page=29|isbn=8210032895|access-date=1 May 2025}} and recognized as an official flag day in 1935.{{cite book |last=Terjesen|first=Einar A.|date=1990|title=Maidagen : 1. mai-feiringens historie i Norge|url=https://www.nb.no/maken/item/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2007112200072/open|trans-title=May Day: The history of the celebration of the 1st of May in Norway|language=Norwegian|location=Norway|publisher=Tiden Norsk Forlag|page=104-105|isbn=8210032895|access-date=1 May 2025}} The program for the day is presented by local unions and labour organizations.

File:Wodzisław KWK 1 Maja.JPG in Wodzisław Śląski, Poland]]

In Poland, since the fall of communism, 1 May is officially celebrated as Labour Day.{{cite web | url=http://www.anglopolish.com/index.php/en/archive/29-polish-tradition/155-international-workers-day-may-day | title=May Day in Poland | access-date=1 May 2013 | url-status=usurped | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815142641/http://anglopolish.com/index.php/en/archive/29-polish-tradition/155-international-workers-day-may-day | archive-date=15 August 2012 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web | url=http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/poland/tp/polandholidays.htm | title=Poland's Holidays | access-date=1 May 2013 | archive-date=13 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513050301/http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/poland/tp/polandholidays.htm | url-status=dead }} It is customary for labour activists to organize parades in cities and towns across Poland. The holiday is also commonly referred to as "Labour Day" ({{langx|pl|Święto Pracy}}).{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In Poland, Labour Day is closely followed by May 3rd Constitution Day. These two dates combined often result in a long weekend called {{lang|pl|Majówka}}, which may last for up to 9 days from 28 April to 6 May, at the cost of taking only 3 days off. People often travel, and {{lang|pl|Majówka}} is unofficially considered the start of barbecuing season in Poland.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

Between these two, on 2 May, there is a patriotic holiday, the Day of the Polish Flag ({{lang|pl|Dzień Flagi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej}}), introduced by a parliamentary act of 20 February 2004. The day, however, does not force paid time off.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In Soviet times, streets, places, squares, parks and also factories were frequently named in honor of International Workers' Day, such as 1 Maja Coal Mine in {{lang|pl|Wodzisław Śląski|italic=no}}.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In Portugal, Workers' Day ({{langx|pt|Dia do Trabalhador}}) on 1 May was suppressed during the Estado Novo dictatorship. The first workers' day demonstration was held a week after the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974. It is still the largest demonstration in the history of Portugal. It is used as an opportunity for workers and workers' groups to voice their discontent over working conditions in demonstrations across Portugal, the largest being held in Lisbon. It is an official public holiday.{{cite web |title=Why is May 1st a holiday in Portugal? |url=https://algarvedailynews.com/news/11578-why-is-may-1st-a-holiday-in-portugal |website=algarvedailynews.com |date=30 April 2019 |access-date=16 October 2019 |language=en-gb |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016005520/https://algarvedailynews.com/news/11578-why-is-may-1st-a-holiday-in-portugal |url-status=live }}

File:002 State and party leaders celebrating May 1.jpg

In Romania, 1 May, known as the "International Labour Day" ({{langx|ro|Ziua internațională a muncii}}), the "International Workers' Day" ({{lang|ro|Ziua internațională a muncitorilor}}), or simply "1/First of May" ({{lang|ro|1/Întâi Mai}}), is an official public holiday. During the communist regime, like in all former Eastern Bloc countries, the day was marked by large state-organized parades in most towns and cities. After the Romanian Revolution of 1989, 1 May continues to be an official public holiday, but without any state organized events or parades. Most people celebrate together with friends and family, organising picnics and barbecues. It is also the first day of the year when people, especially those from the southeastern part of the country including the capital Bucharest, go to spend the day in one of the Romanian Black Sea resorts.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

File:Колонна РКРП-РПК на первомайской демонстрации.jpg]]

In Russia, the "Day of International Workers Solidarity, the 1st of May" ({{Langx|ru|День международной солидарности трудящихся Первое ма́я}}) was celebrated illegally in the country until the February Revolution enabled the first legal celebration in 1917. The following year, after the Bolshevik seizure of power, the International Workers' Day celebrations were boycotted by Mensheviks, Left Socialist Revolutionaries and anarchists. It became an important official holiday of the Soviet Union, celebrated with elaborate popular parade in the centre of the major cities. The biggest celebration was traditionally organized in Red Square, where the General Secretary of the CPSU and other party and government leaders stood atop Lenin's Mausoleum and waved to the crowds. Until 1969, the holiday was marked by military parades throughout the Russian SFSR and the union republics.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} The following was the order of the march past:

• Parade commander holding the appointment of commanding officer of the Moscow Military District
• Corps of Drums of the Moscow Military Music College
• Frunze Military Academy
• V.I. Lenin Military Political Academy
• Felix Dzerzhinsky Artillery Academy
• Military Armored Forces Academy Marshal Rodion Malinovsky
• Military Engineering Academy
• Military Academy of Chemical Defense and Control
• Yuri Gagarin Air Force Academy
• Prof. Nikolai Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
• Delegation of naval officer cadets from the Soviet Navy{{Cite web|url=http://history.ric.mil.ru/Stati/item/117649/|title=ПО БРУСЧАТКЕ КРАСНОЙ ПЛОЩАДИ|website=history.ric.mil.ru|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721194046/http://history.ric.mil.ru/Stati/item/117649/|url-status=live}}
• 98th Guards Airborne Division
• Moscow Border Guards Institute of the Border Defence Forces of the KGB "Moscow City Council"
• Separate Operational Purpose Division
• 336th Marine Brigade of the Baltic Fleet
• Suvorov Military School and Nakhimov Naval Schools
• Moscow Military Combined Arms Command Training School "Supreme Soviet of the Russian SFSR"
• Mobile Column
• 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division
• 4th Guards Tank Division
• Missile Troops and Artillery of the Moscow Military District
• 1st Aerospace Defense Army
• Northern Fleet and Baltic Fleet Coastal Defense, Surface and Submarine Forces (until 1974)
• Massed Bands of the Moscow Military District (parade finale)

The first of these parades were held 1918, when Vladimir Lenin presided over a ceremony at Khodynka Field.{{Cite web|url=https://cont.ws/@staromodnyiej/932301|title=1 мая 1918 г. на Ходынском поле состоялся первый военный парад Красной Армии – Старомодница – КОНТ|website=cont.ws|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807102341/https://cont.ws/@staromodnyiej/932301|url-status=live}} Notable parades included the parade of 1941 (which saw the presence of a Wehrmacht delegation led by Ernst August Köstring{{Cite web|last=Ройбу|first=Зиновий|date=2010-04-30|title=1 Мая 1941 года в Москве: до начала Великой Отечественной войны оставался только 51 день|url=https://ava.md/2010/04/30/1-maya-1941-goda-v-moskve-do-nachala-velikoy/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=AVA.MD|language=ru|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807102628/https://ava.md/2010/04/30/1-maya-1941-goda-v-moskve-do-nachala-velikoy/|url-status=live}}) and 1963 (where Cuban leader Fidel Castro was a guest). The only parades on 1 May to be cancelled were the parades scheduled during the years of the Second World War and the 1965 parade (this was cancelled to make way for the 1965 Moscow Victory Day Parade nine days later). In 1979, ten years after the last annual parade, a brief exhibition drill and military tattoo of the forces of the Moscow Garrison took place.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtwHowkf0y4|title=Демонстрация 1 мая 1979 года|date=22 September 2019|publisher= ПравДа.Ру(б)|via=www.youtube.com|access-date=6 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416175707/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtwHowkf0y4|url-status=live}}

In 1991, which preceded the last year that demonstrations were held in Red Square, International Workers' Day grew into high-spirited political action. Around 50,000 people participated in a rally in Red Square in 1991 after which the tradition was interrupted for 13 years. In the early post-Soviet period the holiday turned into massive political gatherings of supporters of radically minded politicians. For instance, an action dubbed as "a rally of communist-oriented organisations" was held in Red Square in 1992. The rally began with performance of the Soviet Union anthem and raising the Red Flag and ended with appeals from the leader of opposition movement Working Moscow, Viktor Anpilov, "for early dismissal of President Boris Yeltsin, ousting Moscow Mayor Gavriil Popov from power and putting the latter on trial". Since 1992, International Workers' Day is officially called "Spring and Labor Day", and remains a major holiday in present-day Russia.

File:anarchistsmayday2010moscow.JPG: anarchist demonstration]]

File:Верной дорогой идёте, товарищи!.JPG: red flags and social slogans visible]]

File:Колонна демократических левых на первомайском шествии 2011 года в Москве.jpg, LGBT, feminists]]

In 1993, a Moscow Labor Day rally followed by a procession organized by the National Salvation Front, Labor Moscow, and the Communist Party of the Russian Federation turned into clashes between demonstrators and riot police near houses 30 and 37 along Leninsky Avenue.[https://web.archive.org/web/20161214005538/http://www.memo.ru/hr/hotpoints/moscow93/may93.htm Предварительный отчёт о массовых беспорядках, имевших место в Москве 1 мая 1993 года.] // Memorial, official website.The clashes were preceded by two circumstances: "the organizers deviated from the route allowed by the mayor's office," and the Moscow authorities decided to "obstruct the movement of the column along Leninsky Avenue." Subsequently, the authorities failed to rationally justify such a decision: the movement took place in the direction from the city center. The version that "the demonstrators are going to smash Gorbachev's dacha" remained unconfirmed.
The demonstrators, who were moving along Leninsky Avenue from Oktyabrskaya Square, noticing the truck barriers, as well as the cordon of police officers and OMON, reorganized, putting forward a vanguard of 500–600 people, the most organized part of which was the squad of the National Salvation Front. A few tens of meters before the cordon, the column stepped up and almost immediately broke through the cordon.
See the cited report by Memorial.

After the demonstrators broke through the cordon, OMON went on a counterattack near house 37 along Leninsky Avenue. "The demonstrators fought fiercely using banner poles." To overcome the barriers, the demonstrators used trucks as rams. One of the rams resulted in severe injuries to OMON Sergeant Vladimir Tolokneyev, who died four days later. Media reports on the number of victims varied: the initial figure of 150 people soon quadrupled.

1 May is celebrated annually by communists, anarchists, and other organizations as the Day of International Solidarity of Workers. These events are accompanied by the promotion of sharp social and political slogans ("Government of bankrupts - resign!", "WE do not want to pay for YOUR crisis!", "Self-organization! Self-government! Self-defense!" etc.).{{Cite web |url=http://kprf.ru/actions/65662.html |title=Лозунги 1 мая 2009 |trans-title=Slogans, 1 May 2009 |access-date=2010-01-04 |archive-date=2015-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522161557/http://kprf.ru/actions/65662.html}}{{Cite web |url=http://kprf.ru/party_live/56715.html |title=Лозунги 1 мая 2008 |trans-title=Slogans, 1 May 2008 |access-date=2010-01-04 |archive-date=2015-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522161707/http://kprf.ru/party_live/56715.html}}

The Spring and Labor Day, celebrated as a state holiday, is usually used for political actions under independent slogans by trade unions, parties, and movements of various orientations, from the left to the far right: United Russia (together with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia and the Young Guard of United Russia), A Just Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Yabloko, Solidarnost, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, and Autonomous Action.{{Cite web |url=http://ud.mos.ru/main/58-pervomajjskie-demonstracii-i-mitingi.html |title=Первомайские демонстрации и митинги |trans-title=1 May demonstrations and meetings |access-date=2010-01-04 |archive-date=2012-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120202649/http://ud.mos.ru/main/58-pervomajjskie-demonstracii-i-mitingi.html}}{{Cite web |url=http://vkrizis.ru/news.php?type=rus&lenta=1&arc=0&news=10526 |title=В первомайских демонстрациях и митингах в Москве приняли участие около 30 тыс. человек |trans-title=About 30,000 people took part in May Day demonstrations and rallies in Moscow |accessdate=2010-01-04 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928155414/http://vkrizis.ru/news.php?type=rus&lenta=1&arc=0&news=10526 |archivedate=2011-09-28}}

The slogans of official events organized by the authorities are far from the historical roots of the Labour Day demonstrations: "Putin's plan is a plan for Victory!", "Bonuses for pensioners", "Three kids in a family is the norm!".{{Cite web |url=http://www.uao.mos.ru/textform.aspx?docid=25263&treepath=348,22568,22569,25263 |title=Официальный портал префектуры Южного административного округа города Москвы |trans-title=Official portal of the prefecture of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow |accessdate=2010-01-04 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120202629/http://www.uao.mos.ru/textform.aspx?docid=25263&treepath=348,22568,22569,25263 |archivedate=2012-11-20}}

A more radical attitude to the holiday in 2009 was expressed by the head of the metropolitan branch of the Right Cause party, Igor Trunov: "To be honest, I didn't really want to celebrate 1 May, because I don't stand in solidarity with the workers of Chicago, where this holiday came from".{{cite web |last=Zakatnova |first=Anna |date=2009-04-29 |url=http://www.rg.ru/2009/04/29/pervomay-site-anons.html |title=Москву 1 мая наглухо перекроют около 17 митингов, шествий и демонстраций |trans-title=Moscow on 1 May will be tightly blocked by about 17 rallies, marches and demonstrations |publisher=Rossiyskaya Gazeta |accessdate=2010-08-14 |archive-date=2011-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814223812/http://www.rg.ru/2009/04/29/pervomay-site-anons.html}}

On 1 May 2013, several hundred thousand workers took to the streets of Russian cities. More than 100,000 people took part in the Labour Day demonstration in Moscow.{{Cite web |url=http://runews24.ru/society/demonstration-of-1-may.shtml |title=На первомайскую демонстрацию в Москве вышли 100 тыс. человек |trans-title=100 thousand people came to the May Day demonstration in Moscow |accessdate=2013-05-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522172100/http://runews24.ru/society/demonstration-of-1-may.shtml |archivedate=2015-05-22}}

Since 2014 a national civil parade has been held on 1 May on Red Square, with similar events held in major cities and regional capitals.

In 2016, the celebration of Easter and Labour Day overlapped,[http://ria.ru/spravka/20160501/1423389297.html День святой Пасхи] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506111917/http://ria.ru/spravka/20160501/1423389297.html |date=6 May 2016 }} // RIA Novosti, 1 May 2016 which led to the abandonment of Labour Day events in some regions.[http://echo.msk.ru/news/1751934-echo.html В Калуге отменили первомайское шествие из-за Пасхи] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422041625/http://echo.msk.ru/news/1751934-echo.html |date=22 April 2016 }} // Echo of Moscow, 21 April 2016

In Serbia, 1 May (and also 2 May) is a day off work and a day out of school. It is one of the major popular holidays, and the only official holiday from socialist times that is still officially celebrated. People celebrate it all over the country. By tradition 1 May is celebrated by countryside picnics and outdoor barbecues. May is marked by warm weather in Serbia. In Belgrade, the capital, most people go to {{lang|sr|Avala|italic=no}} or {{lang|sr|Košutnjak|italic=no}}, which are parks located in {{lang|sr|Rakovica|italic=no}} and {{lang|sr|Čukarica|italic=no}}. People go around the country to enjoy nature. A major religious holiday of {{lang|sr|Djurdjevdan|italic=no}} is on 6 May so quite often days off work are given to connect these two holidays and weekend, creating a small spring break. 1 May is celebrated by most of the population regardless of political views.

In Slovakia, 1 May is an official holiday. Celebrations are held surrounding workers' day but are also connected with the commemoration of the entry of the Slovak Republic into the European Union (1 May 2004).{{cite web |last1=a.s |first1=Petit Press |title=May Day celebrated in style |url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20005065/may-day-celebrated-in-style.html |website=spectator.sme.sk |language=en |date=7 May 2007 |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016010053/https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20005065/may-day-celebrated-in-style.html |url-status=live }}

In Slovenia, 1 May and 2 May are public holidays. There are many official events all over the country to celebrate workers' day. In Ljubljana, the capital, the main celebration is held on Rožnik Hill in the city. On the night of 30 April, bonfires are traditionally burned.{{cite web |title=Slovenia celebrating Labour Day |url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/slovenia-celebrating-labour-day |website=sloveniatimes.com |date=May 2016 |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016010648/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/slovenia-celebrating-labour-day |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Labor Day in Spain}}

File:Manifestacio barcelona primer de maig alternatiu 2009.JPG, Spain]]

In Spain, the first Workers' Day (Día del Trabajador) was celebrated in 1889 but only became a public holiday with the beginning of the Spanish Second Republic in 1931. It was banned afterwards by the Franco regime in 1937.{{cite web |title=Esta ha sido la evolución del Día del Trabajo en España |url=https://www.revistagq.com/noticias/politica/articulos/evolucion-1-de-mayo-dia-del-trabajo-espana/25991 |website=GQ España |language=es-ES |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140041/https://www.revistagq.com/noticias/politica/articulos/evolucion-1-de-mayo-dia-del-trabajo-espana/25991 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |url-status=dead }} The year after it was decreed that the "Fiesta de la Exaltación del Trabajo," or Labor Festival, be held on 18 July, the anniversary of the Francoist military coup, instead.{{cite web |last1=Montagut |first1=Eduardo |title=1º de Mayo durante el franquismo |url=https://www.nuevatribuna.es/articulo/cultura---ocio/primero-mayo-franquismo/20150427101518115189.html |website=Nuevatribuna |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140040/https://www.nuevatribuna.es/articulo/cultura---ocio/primero-mayo-franquismo/20150427101518115189.html |url-status=live }} After the death of Francisco Franco in 1975 and the move towards democracy, the first large rallies on 1 May began again in 1977. It was re-introduced as a public holiday in 1978.{{cite web |last1=Millán |first1=Agustín |title=Fuerte represión en el primero de mayo de 1977 |url=https://diario16.com/fuerte-represion-primero-mayo-1977/ |website=Diario16 |language=es |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140037/https://diario16.com/fuerte-represion-primero-mayo-1977/ |url-status=live }} Commonly, peaceful demonstrations and parades occur in major and minor cities.{{cite web |title=Labor Day Demonstration |url=https://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/events/labor-day-demonstration-2019/ |website=(barcelona-metropolitan.com) |language=en-us |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140039/https://www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/events/labor-day-demonstration-2019/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Thousands join May Day march against corruption in Madrid |url=https://www.thelocal.es/20170501/thousands-march-in-madrid-against-corruption |website=thelocal.es |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140040/https://www.thelocal.es/20170501/thousands-march-in-madrid-against-corruption |url-status=live }}

File:1maj2006soc.dem.sthlm.jpg at International Workers' Day demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2006. The party has dominated Swedish politics for nearly a century. The trade union palace in Stockholm is seen at the end of the picture.]]

1 May has been an important part of Swedish history since the late 19th century. The day was made a public holiday in 1938 but had been celebrated by the Swedish Social Democratic Party and the left since 1890. The first International Workers' Day celebration gathered more than 50,000 people in central Stockholm. The crowd went to hear speeches by the leading figures in the Swedish labour movement such as Hjalmar Branting (later prime minister), August Palm and Hinke Bergegren. During World War I the demonstrations mainly had a peace message and the Liberal Party also joined the demonstrations. The eight-hour working day and women's suffrage were the principal themes during the troubled times after World War I.

Recognizing the central contributions of workers and international worker solidarity in Swedish social, economic, political and cultural development, International Workers' Day demonstrations are an important part of Swedish politics and culture for social democrats, left parties, and unions. In Stockholm the Social Democratic Party always marches towards Norra Bantorget, the historical, physical centre of the Swedish labour movement, where they hold speeches in front of the headquarters of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, while the smaller Left Party marches in larger numbers[http://storstockholm.vansterpartiet.se/2012/jonas-sjostedt-talar-pa-sveriges-storsta-forsta-maj-firande/ Jonas Sjöstedt talar på Sveriges största första maj-firande {{!}} Vänsterpartiet Storstockholm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501050932/https://storstockholm.vansterpartiet.se/2012/03/15/jonas-sjostedt-talar-pa-sveriges-storsta-forsta-maj-firande/ |date=1 May 2023 }}. Storstockholm.vansterpartiet.se. Retrieved on 1 May 2013. towards Kungsträdgården.

Since 1967, the Communist Party and its youth wing, Revolutionary Communist Youth, have held their own International Workers' Day march, known as {{lang|sv|Röd Front}} ('Red Front').{{cite news |title=Röd Front 40 år |url=http://www.proletaren.se/ledare/rod-front-40-ar |access-date=26 April 2017 |publisher=Proletären |date=24 April 2007 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003926/http://www.proletaren.se/ledare/rod-front-40-ar |url-status=live }} In 2016, Röd Front marches were held at 33 locations across the country.{{cite web |title=Röd Front 2016 i bilder |url=http://www.kommunisterna.org/nyheter/2016/05/rod-front-2016 |website=Kommunistiska Partiet |date=May 2016 |access-date=26 April 2017 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427004136/http://www.kommunisterna.org/nyheter/2016/05/rod-front-2016 |url-status=live }} The largest Röd Front marches are usually held in the industrial and financial port town of Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city and one of the party's strongholds.{{cite web |title=Röd Front runt om i landet |url=http://www.kommunisterna.org/nyheter/2014/05/rod-front-runt-om-i-landet |website=Kommunistiska Partiet |date=May 2014 |access-date=26 April 2017 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427004226/http://www.kommunisterna.org/nyheter/2014/05/rod-front-runt-om-i-landet |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Rothelius |first1=Lars |title=Röd front 1 maj 2015 |url=http://www.proletaren.se/rod-front-1-maj-2015 |access-date=26 April 2017 |publisher=Proletären |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100556/http://www.proletaren.se/rod-front-1-maj-2015 |url-status=live }}

File:Parade of the May 1 demonstrations (70-ies). (6984904464).jpg in the 1970s]]

In Switzerland, the status of 1 May differs depending on the canton and sometimes on the municipality. Labour Day is known as {{lang|de|Tag der Arbeit}} in German-speaking cantons, as {{lang|fr|Fête du travail}} in the French-speaking cantons, and as {{lang|it|Festa del lavoro}} in the Italian-speaking canton of {{lang|it|Ticino|italic=no}}.

• In the cantons of {{lang|de|Basel-Landschaft|italic=no}}, {{lang|de|Basel-Stadt|italic=no}}, Jura, {{lang|fr|Neuchâtel|italic=no}}, and {{lang|de|Zürich|italic=no}}, Labour Day is an official public holiday equal to Sundays, based on federal law ({{lang|de|Bundesgesetz über die Arbeit in Industrie, Gewerbe und Handel}}, article 20a).
• In the cantons of {{lang|de|Schaffhausen|italic=no}}, {{lang|de|Thurgau|italic=no}}, and {{lang|it|Ticino|italic=no}}, Labour Day is an official "day off" ({{lang|de|Ruhetag}}). This is equal in practice to an official public holiday, but is not based on federal law and cantonal regulations may differ in details.
• In the canton of Solothurn it is an official half-day holiday (starting at 12 noon).
• In the canton of {{lang|fr|Fribourg|italic=no}}, public servants get the afternoon off, many companies follow this practice.
• In the canton of {{lang|de|Aargau|italic=no}} it is not an official holiday, but most employees get the afternoon off.
• In the municipalities of {{lang|de|Hildisrieden|italic=no}} and {{lang|de|Schüpfheim|italic=no}} (both in the canton of Lucerne) as well as in {{lang|de|Muotathal|italic=no}} (canton of {{lang|de|Schwyz|italic=no}}), 1 May is an official public holiday, but as commemoration day of the local patron saint, not as Labour Day. In the other parts of the cantons of Lucerne and {{lang|de|Schwyz|italic=no}}, 1 May is a regular work day.
• In all other cantons, 1 May is a regular work day.{{cite web |title=Wo der 1. Mai in der Schweiz ein Feiertag ist |url=https://www.t-online.de/leben/familie/id_73457972/wo-der-1-mai-in-der-schweiz-ein-feiertag-ist.html |website=t-online.de |date=16 April 2015 |access-date=6 May 2019 |language=de |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907053226/https://www.t-online.de/leben/familie/id_73457972/wo-der-1-mai-in-der-schweiz-ein-feiertag-ist.html |url-status=live }}

The largest Labour Day celebrations in Switzerland are held in the city of {{lang|de|Zürich|italic=no}}. Each year, {{lang|de|Zürich|italic=no}}'s 1 May committee, together with the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions, organizes a festival and 1 May rally. It is the largest rally held on a regular basis in Switzerland.{{cite news |title=1. Mai in Zürich: So viele Teilnehmer wie seit Jahren nicht mehr |url=https://www.nzz.ch/zuerich/1-mai-in-zuerich-so-viele-teilnehmer-wie-seit-jahren-nicht-mehr-ld.1478690 |access-date=6 May 2019 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |language=de |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502203926/https://www.nzz.ch/zuerich/1-mai-in-zuerich-so-viele-teilnehmer-wie-seit-jahren-nicht-mehr-ld.1478690 |url-status=live }}

File:May day clashes in 2013.jpg

File:Istanbul May Day 2012.JPG, 1 May 2012]]

1 May is an official holiday celebrated in Turkey. It was a holiday as "Spring Day" until 1981 when it was canceled after the 1980 coup d'état. In 2009, the Turkish government restored the holiday after some casualties and demonstrations. Taksim Square is the centre of the celebrations due to the Taksim Square massacre.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

Workers' Day was first celebrated in 1912 in Istanbul and in 1899 in İzmir. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the celebrations continued. In 1924, it was forbidden by a decree of the Kemalist government in both 1924 and 1925, demonstrations were intervened by arm floats. In 1935, The National Assembly declared 1 May as "Spring Day" to be a public holiday.[http://www.marksist.com/utku_kizilok/isgunu_mucadelesi_ve_1_mayis_in_dogusu.htm İşgünü Mücadelesi ve 1 Mayıs'ın Doğuşu {{!}} sınıf mücadelesinde Marksist Tutum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002434/http://www.marksist.com/utku_kizilok/isgunu_mucadelesi_ve_1_mayis_in_dogusu.htm |date=28 September 2007}}. Marksist.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.

During the events leading to the 1980 Turkish coup d'état, a massacre occurred on 1 May 1977 (Taksim Square massacre), in which unknown people (agents provocateurs) opened fire on the crowd. The crowd was the biggest in Turkish workers' history with the number of people approximating 500,000. In the next two years, provocations and confusion continued and peaked before the 1980 coup d'état. The 1 May holiday was cancelled after the coup d'état. Still, demonstrations continued with small crowds, and in 1996, three people were killed by police bullets, and a plain-clothes man who spied in the crowd was revealed and lynched by workers. On the same evening, a video broadcast on TV showed that two participants in the demonstration were lynched by far right-wing nationalist groups and this lynching occurred in front of police forces who were watching the scene with happy faces. Thus, 1 May 1996 has been remembered by workers' movements.

In 2007, the 30th anniversary of the Taksim Square Massacre, leftist workers' unions wanted to commemorate the massacre in Taksim Square. Since the government would not let them into the square, 580–700 people were stopped and 1 person died under police control. After these events, the government declared 1 May as "Work and Solidarity Day" but not as a holiday. In the next year, the day was declared as a holiday, but people were still not allowed to gather in Taksim Square.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090531134748/http://rega.basbakanlik.gov.tr/eskiler/2009/04/20090427-1.htm Ulusal bayram ve genel tati̇ller hakkında kanunda]. rega.basbakanlik.gov.tr (22 April 2009). The year 2008 was remembered with police violence in Istanbul. Police fired tear gas grenades among the crowds, and into hospitals and a primary school. Workers pushed forward so that in 2010, 140,000 people gathered in Taksim, and in 2011 there were more than half a million demonstrators.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

After three years of peaceful meetings in 2013, meetings in Taksim Square were forbidden by the government. Clashes occurred between police and workers; water cannon and tear gas have been widely used.{{cite web |url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/01/may-day-clashes-in-turkey/ |title=Clashes mar International Workers' Day in Turkey | euronews, world news |publisher=Euronews.com |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=17 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217222252/http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/01/may-day-clashes-in-turkey/ |url-status=dead }}

International Workers' Day is a public holiday in Ukraine, inherited from the Soviet era. The 1st May as a day of workers' solidarity in Kyiv began as early as 1894.{{Cite web|url=https://kp.ua/kiev/392092-kyevskyi-pervomai|title=История современности: в Киеве Первомай отмечают с 1894 года|website=kp.ua|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206235358/https://kp.ua/kiev/392092-kyevskyi-pervomai|url-status=live}} Until 2018, 2 May was also a public holiday (as in the Soviet era), instead in 2017 Western Christianity's Christmas celebrated 25 December became a new Ukrainian public holiday.{{Cite web|url=http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/ukraine-seeks-distance-from-moscow-with-new-christmas-holiday/article/507753|title=Ukraine seeks distance from Moscow with new Christmas holiday|website=m.digitaljournal.com|date=16 November 2017|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117065016/http://m.digitaljournal.com/news/world/ukraine-seeks-distance-from-moscow-with-new-christmas-holiday/article/507753|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-42008437|script-title=uk:Рада зробила 25 грудня вихідним днем|date=16 November 2017|work=BBC Україна|access-date=16 November 2017|language=uk|archive-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230065213/http://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-42008437|url-status=live}} The 1 May International Workers' Day remained a Ukrainian public holiday, although it was renamed (also in 2017) from "Day of International Solidarity of Workers" to "Labour Day".

In 2015, the Communist Party's Labor Day rallies were banned in Kyiv and Kharkiv."[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/kharkiv-court-bans-communist-march-rally-on-may-1-387066.html Kharkiv court bans Communist march, rally on May 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427231514/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/kharkiv-court-bans-communist-march-rally-on-may-1-387066.html |date=27 April 2015 }}". Kyiv Post. 24 April 2015.

Late May 2015 laws that ban communist symbols came into effect in Ukraine, thus banning communist symbols, singing the Soviet national hymn or the Internationale.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/ukraine-bans-soviet-symbols-criminalises-sympathy-for-communism |title=Ukraine bans Soviet symbols and criminalises sympathy for communism |work=The Guardian |date=21 May 2015 |access-date=30 June 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222123954/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/ukraine-bans-soviet-symbols-criminalises-sympathy-for-communism |url-status=live}}

According to Interior Minister Arsen Avakov during the 2016 International Workers' Day rallies in some major cities the number of police officers far outnumbered the number of rally participants. With in Dnipro 193 policemen protecting 25 rally participants.{{in lang|uk}} [http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7107361/ Avakov: "May Day rallies" passed without incident and noise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504164446/http://pda.pravda.com.ua/news/id_7107361/ |date=4 May 2016 }}, Ukrayinska Pravda (1 May 2016)

A public bank holiday in the United Kingdom was created in 1978.{{Cite web |title=The history of May Day |url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/the-history-of-may-day |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=National Trust |language=en}} It is called the "Early May bank holiday" and is held on the first Monday in May each year.{{Cite web|url=http://bankholidays-uk.com/may-day/|title=May Day|date=26 April 2017|website=Bank Holidays UK|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312043044/http://bankholidays-uk.com/may-day/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|date=May 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-06 |title=UK bank holidays |url=https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}

{{Also|Labour Day#Australia}}

File:Labourday1.jpg, is the largest rally in Australia.]]

While unofficial activities and commemorations associated with International Workers' Day occur on 1 May in Australia, Labour Day in the various states and territories generally falls on other days. In the Northern Territory and Queensland, Labour Day is a public holiday on the first Monday in May.{{cite web |title=Labour Day / May Day: 4-6 May 2024 |url=https://ieuqnt.org.au/labourday/#:~:text=In%201901%20the%20first%20Monday,in%20May%20of%20each%20year. |website=Independent Education Union of Australia |access-date=1 May 2024}} Queensland holds the biggest rallies in Australia, with the rally in Brisbane averaging 30,000 people. {{citation needed|date=July 2020}} In Australia, one of the first Labour Day marches occurred in Queensland on 1 May 1891.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/arabic/en/article/2017/05/01/when-did-australia-first-celebrate-labour-day|title=When did Australia first celebrate Labour Day?|website=SBS Your Language|language=en|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501155407/https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/arabic/en/article/2017/05/01/when-did-australia-first-celebrate-labour-day|url-status=live}} There are also rallies held in Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville, Barcaldine, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and other regional centres. {{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

New Zealand workers were among the first in the world to claim the right for an eight-hour working day when, in 1840, the carpenter Samuel Parnell{{Cite web|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/samuel-parnell|title=Samuel Parnell {{!}} NZHistory, New Zealand history online|website=nzhistory.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174246/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/samuel-parnell|url-status=live}} won an eight-hour day in Wellington. Labour Day was first celebrated in New Zealand on 28 October 1890.{{Cite web|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/labour-day|title=Labour Day {{!}} NZHistory, New Zealand history online|website=nzhistory.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174229/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/labour-day|url-status=live}} Labour Day falls every year on the fourth Monday of October.

In Bangladesh, 1 May is a public holiday and called International Workers' Solidarity Day. A parade and other events are held on the day to commemorate the occasion.{{cite news |title=Historic May Day being observed across the country |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2019/05/01/historic-may-day-being-observed-across-the-country |access-date=8 May 2019 |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=4 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504124212/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2019/05/01/historic-may-day-being-observed-across-the-country |url-status=live }}

File:Triumph of Labour at Marina Beach.jpg at the Marina Beach in Chennai]]

In India, Labour Day is a not a public holiday on 1 May.{{cite web |url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/holidaymatrixdisplay.aspx |title=Holidays – Reserve Bank of India |publisher=Reserve Bank of India |date=1 May 2014 |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032040/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/holidaymatrixdisplay.aspx |url-status=live }} The International Workers' Day is tied to labour movements for communist and socialist political parties. Labour Day is known as "Uzhaipalar dhinam" in Tamil and was first celebrated in Madras, "Kamgar Din" in Hindi, "Karmikara Dinacharane" in Kannada, "Karmika Dinotsavam" in Telugu, "Kamgar Divas" in Marathi, "Thozhilaali Dinam" in Malayalam and "Shromik Dibosh" in Bengali. Since Labour day is not a national holiday, Labour day is observed as public holiday at State Government's discretion. Many parts especially in North Indian States it is not a public holiday.{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-you-may-or-may-not-have-worked-on-may-day/article18347887.ece |title=Why you may (or may not) have worked on May Day |author=Somesh Jha |date=1 May 2017 |work=The Hindu |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501111453/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-you-may-or-may-not-have-worked-on-may-day/article18347887.ece |url-status=live }}

The first celebration in India was organized in Madras (now Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on 1 May 1923.{{cite web |url=http://www.singaravelar.com/achievements.htm |title=Achievements |publisher=Singaravelar |access-date=1 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421062618/http://www.singaravelar.com/achievements.htm |archive-date=21 April 2011 }} This was also the first time the red flag was used in India.M.V.S. Koteswara Rao. Communist Parties and United Front – Experience in Kerala and West Bengal. Hyderabad: Prajasakti Book House, 2003. p. 110 The party leader Singaravelu Chettiar made arrangements to celebrate International Workers' Day in two places in 1923. One meeting was held at the beach opposite to the Madras High Court; the other meeting was held at the Triplicane beach. The Hindu newspaper, published from Madras reported,Report of May Day Celebrations 1923, and Formation of a New Party The Hindu quoted in Murugesan, K., Subramanyam, C.S. Singaravelu, First Communist in South India. New Delhi: People's Publishing House, 1975. p. 169

The Labour Kisan party has introduced May Day celebrations in Madras. Comrade Singaravelar presided over the meeting. A resolution was passed stating that the government should declare May Day as a holiday. The president of the party explained the non-violent principles of the party. There was a request for financial aid. It was emphasised that workers of the world must unite to achieve independence.

1 May is also celebrated as "Maharashtra Day"{{cite web |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/05/01/india-observes-international-labor-day/ |title=India Observes International Labor Day – India Real Time |publisher=Wall Street Journal (Blogs.wsj.com) |date=1 May 2012 |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=17 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221010/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/05/01/india-observes-international-labor-day/ |url-status=live }} and "Gujarat Day" to mark the date in 1960, when the two western states attained statehood after the erstwhile Bombay State was divided on linguistic lines. Maharashtra Day is held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. Schools and offices in Maharashtra remain closed on 1 May. A similar parade is held to celebrate Gujarat Day in Gandhinagar.

Vaiko (Vai Gopalsamy), General Secretary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, appealed to the then Prime Minister V. P. Singh to declare 1 May as a national holiday, to which the PM heeded and from then on it became a national holiday to celebrate International Labour Day.{{Cite web|url=http://mdmk.org.in/member/mr-vaiko|title=திரு. வைகோ | MDMK|website=mdmk.org.in|access-date=10 June 2017|archive-date=13 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613004333/http://mdmk.org.in/member/mr-vaiko|url-status=dead}}{{Primary source inline|date=June 2017}}

Maldives first observed the holiday in 2011, after a declaration by President Mohamed Nasheed. He noted that this move highlighted the government's commitment as well as efforts of private parties to protect and promote workers' rights in the Maldives.{{cite web|url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/36099/Maldives_declares_Labour_Day_a_public_holiday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430003045/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/details/36099/Maldives_declares_Labour_Day_a_public_holiday |archive-date=30 April 2011 |title=Haveeru Online – Maldives declares Labour Day a public holiday |publisher=Haveeru.com.mv |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=1 May 2011}}

International Workers' Day has been celebrated in Nepal since 1963.[https://web.archive.org/web/20021107112118/http://www.nepalnews.com.np/archive/2002/april/arc379.htm "113th May Day being observed today"]. Nepal news.com (April 2002). The day became a public holiday in 2007.[https://web.archive.org/web/20021107112118/http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/may/may01/news09.php May Day being observed across the country]. Nepal news.com (1 May 2008). It is known as Majdoor Diwas in Nepal

International Labour Day is observed in Pakistan on 1 May to commemorate the social and economic achievements of workers. It is a public and national holiday. Many organized street demonstrations take place on Labor Day, where workers and labor unions protest against labor repression and demand for more rights, better wages and benefits.{{cite web |title=The Labour Day |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/311118-the-labour-day |website=thenews.com.pk |language=en |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715193530/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/311118-the-labour-day |url-status=live }}

In Sri Lanka, International Workers' Day was declared a public, bank, and mercantile holiday in 1956.{{cite web |last1=Bopage |first1=Lionel |title=Sri Lanka: May Day and workers' rights |url=https://www.ft.lk/columns/Sri-Lanka--May-Day-and-workers--rights/4-653917 |publisher=Daily FT |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=6 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906141019/http://www.ft.lk/columns/Sri-Lanka--May-Day-and-workers--rights/4-653917 |url-status=live }} The government has held official celebrations in major towns and cities, with the largest being in the capital, Colombo. During celebrations, it is common to witness party leaders greeting the crowds. Workers frequently carry banners with political slogans and many parties decorate their vehicles.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In Cambodia, it is known as International Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite web |title=Annual Leave Laws, Paid Vacation, Holidays Entitlement in Cambodia |url=https://prake.org/labour-law/work-and-holiday |website=Prake.org |access-date=7 May 2019 |language=en-kh |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501163705/https://prake.org/labour-law/work-and-holiday |url-status=live }} No marches for labour day were permitted in Cambodia for several years after the 2013 Cambodian general election and surrounding mass protests. A tightly controlled march on a limited scale was first permitted again in 2019.{{cite news |title=Hundreds march in Cambodia's capital to mark Labour Day after ban lifted |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/hundreds-march-in-cambodias-capital-to-mark-labour-day-after-ban-lifted |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=The Straits Times |date=1 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507163339/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/hundreds-march-in-cambodias-capital-to-mark-labour-day-after-ban-lifted |url-status=live }}

File:Protest march in Jakarta, Indonesia - 20070501.jpgs demonstration in Jakarta, 2007]]

International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, in Indonesia was first observed by Kung Tang Hwee labour union in Semarang on 1918. The organizations such as Sarekat Islam, Boedi Oetomo, and Insulinde also took parts on strike that day through Radicale Concentratie alliance. But in 1927 the celebrations banned by the Dutch East Indies colonial government.{{Cite web |last=Yulianti |first=Tya Eka |title=Ada Tragedi di Balik May Day, Ini Sejarah Hari Buruh 1 Mei |url=https://www.detik.com/jabar/jabar-gaskeun/d-7894140/ada-tragedi-di-balik-may-day-ini-sejarah-hari-buruh-1-mei |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=detikjabar |language=id-ID}}

After independence, the 1 May labour's day observed again from 1946, with Soekarno, the first president of the Republic, always attended the labour's celebration, and two years later he signed Law No. 12 Year 1948 concerning worker's rights. The Soeharto's New Order regime banned the day's celebration again from 1967 because the day's association with Marxist and communist movements and changed the Labour Day to 20 February from 1973, the day which all the labour unions merged by the government into only one federation.{{Cite web |last1=Darmawan |first1=Aditya Priyatna |last2=Pratiwi |first2=Inten Esti |date=2025-05-01 |title=Hari Buruh di Indonesia, Disambut Soekarno, Dihapus Soeharto, Dikembalikan Habibie dan SBY |url=https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2025/05/01/050000765/hari-buruh-di-indonesia-disambut-soekarno-dihapus-soeharto-dikembalikan?page=2 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Kompas.com |language=id-ID}}

After the fall of the New Order, the day celebrated again as a rally day of labours and workers. The day officially made as a public holiday from 2014. Every year on the day, labourers take over the streets in major cities across the country, voicing their demands for better income & a supportive policy by the ministries.{{cite web |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/01/workers-need-more-a-holiday-may-day-unions.html |title=Workers need more than a holiday on May Day: Unions |publisher=The Jakarta Post |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=17 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221032/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/01/workers-need-more-a-holiday-may-day-unions.html |url-status=live }}

Malaysia began observing the holiday in 1972 following an announcement by the late Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Ismail Abdul Rahman.{{cite web|url=http://malayahistory.blogspot.com/2008/05/commemorating-labour-day-in-malaysia.html|title=Commemorating Labour Day in Malaysia|date=1 May 2008|work=Malaya History|access-date=6 September 2010|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501194747/http://malayahistory.blogspot.com/2008/05/commemorating-labour-day-in-malaysia.html|url-status=live}}

In Myanmar, 1 May is known as Labour Day ({{langx|my|အလုပ်သမားနေ့}}) and is a public holiday.{{cite web |title=Myanmar celebrates May Day |url=https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_212171/lang--en/index.htm |language=en |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501195728/https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_212171/lang--en/index.htm |url-status=live }}

1 May is known as "Labor Day" ({{langx|fil|Araw ng Manggagawa}}, also known as Araw ng Paggawa) and is a public holiday in the Philippines. On this day, labour organizations and unions hold protests in major cities. On 1 May 1903, during the American colonial period the {{lang|es|Unión Obrera Democrática Filipina}} (Filipino Democratic Labor Union) held a rally in front of the Malacañang Palace demanding workers' economic rights and Philippine independence. In 1908, the Philippine Assembly passed a bill officially recognizing 1 May as a national holiday. In 1913, the first official celebration was held on 1 May 1913 when 36 labour unions convened for a congress in Manila.{{Cite web |title=PH's 121st Labor Day: How the day for workers was established |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/1/ph-s-121st-labor-day-how-the-day-for-workers-was-established |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501185435/https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/1/ph-s-121st-labor-day-how-the-day-for-workers-was-established |url-status=live }}

During the Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a policy was adopted called holiday economics policy that moved holidays to either a Monday or a Friday to create a long weekend of three days. In 2002, Labor Day was moved to the Monday nearest to 1 May. Labour groups protested, as they accused the Arroyo administration of belittling the holiday.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1lg1AAAAIBAJ&dq=labor-day%20holiday-economics&pg=1890%2C4586998 |title=Gloria draws flak on holidays |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=12 April 2002 |access-date=1 May 2012 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120054318/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1lg1AAAAIBAJ&dq=labor-day%20holiday-economics&pg=1890%2C4586998 |url-status=live }} By 2008, Labor Day was excluded in the holiday economics policy, returning the commemorations to 1 May, no matter what day of the week it falls on.{{cite news |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/89276/news/nation/may-1-not-covered-by-holiday-economics |title=May 1 not covered by 'holiday economics' |work=GMA News Online |date=14 April 2008 |access-date=1 May 2012 |archive-date=9 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909005500/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/89276/news/nation/may-1-not-covered-by-holiday-economics |url-status=live }}

In Singapore, it is known as Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite news |title=Heng Swee Keat to speak at May Day Rally |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/heng-swee-keat-to-speak-at-may-day-rally |website=The Straits Times |language=en |date=29 April 2019 |last1=Seow |first1=Joanna |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501162854/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/heng-swee-keat-to-speak-at-may-day-rally |url-status=live }} The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the ruling People’s Action Party, gives a Labour Day Rally championing the tripartite relationship between government, employers, and employees.

In Thailand, the day is known in English as National Labour Day, and is one of 17 official public holidays in Thailand.{{cite web |title=2019 |url=https://www.bot.or.th/English/FinancialInstitutions/FIholiday/Pages/2019.aspx |website=bot.or.th |language=en |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501163040/https://www.bot.or.th/English/FinancialInstitutions/FIholiday/Pages/2019.aspx |url-status=live }}

In Vietnam, it is known as International Labour Day ({{langx|vi|Ngày Quốc tế Lao động}}) and is a public holiday.{{cite web|url= https://www.archives.org.vn/gioi-thieu-tai-lieu-nghiep-vu/nguoi-lao-dong-viet-nam-duoc-nghi-ngay-1-5-tu-bao-gio.htm|title= Người lao động Việt Nam được nghỉ ngày 1.5 từ bao giờ?|date= 21 January 2018|access-date= 4 February 2022|author= Nguyễn Thu Hoài|publisher= Trung tâm Lưu trữ quốc gia I (National Archives Nr. 1, Hanoi) - Cục Văn thư và Lưu trữ nhà nước (State Records And Archives Management Department Of Việt Nam).|language= vi|archive-date= 16 July 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220716202717/https://www.archives.org.vn/gioi-thieu-tai-lieu-nghiep-vu/nguoi-lao-dong-viet-nam-duoc-nghi-ngay-1-5-tu-bao-gio.htm|url-status= live}} It was first adopted by the Nguyễn dynasty on the 11th day of the 9th month of the 16th year of the Bảo Đại Emperor (30 October 1941) by imperial decree. Later on 29 April 1946 President Hồ Chí Minh issued Sắc lệnh số 56 (Decree No. 56) which adopted the holiday for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

According to the decree "workers in public offices, private offices and factories throughout the country are entitled to a day off from work. International Labour 1.5 and still receive the same salary as a working day…". On 1 May 1946 the first International Labour Day of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was held.

In Bahrain, 1 May is known as Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite web |title=Bahrain Bourse {{!}} Official Holidays |url=https://www.bahrainbourse.com/holidays |website=bahrainbourse.com |access-date=8 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501200344/https://www.bahrainbourse.com/holidays |url-status=dead }}

In Iran, 1 May is known as the International Workers' Day. It is not a public holiday but according to article 63 of Iranian labour law on top of the official public holidays observed in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Labour Day shall be considered an official holiday for workers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/WEBTEXT/21843/64830/E90IRN01.HTM#c3|title=Islamic Republic of Iran. Labour Code|website=ilo.org|access-date=5 November 2015|archive-date=18 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918093742/http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/WEBTEXT/21843/64830/E90IRN01.HTM#c3|url-status=live}}

In Iraq, it is known as the International Workers' Day and is a public holiday.{{cite web |title=Iraqi top officials vow to support workers on Labor Day – Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/01/c_138027680.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501153434/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-05/01/c_138027680.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 May 2019 |website=xinhuanet.com}}

File:PikiWiki Israel 2571 May First demonstration הפגנת אחד במאי.JPG

After historically varying popularity of Labour Day, 1 May is not an official holiday in the State of Israel. In the 1980s there were several large marches in Tel Aviv, numbering as much as 350,000 in 1983 and perhaps even more in 1988, but a steady decline in numbers led to only 5,000 marchers in 2010. During the 1990s businesses began to treat it like a regular working day as the number of Labour Day-related activities decreased.{{cite news |last= Gilad |first= Elon |title= The Rise and Fall of Israel's May Day |url= https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-the-rise-and-fall-of-israel-s-may-day-1.7187463 |access-date= 7 May 2019 |newspaper= Haaretz |date= 1 May 2019 |language= en |archive-date= 7 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190507164748/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-the-rise-and-fall-of-israel-s-may-day-1.7187463 |url-status= live }} 1 May is largely celebrated by the former Soviet Jews who immigrated to Israel in the 1990s.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

1 May is known as Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite news |title=Jordan marks Labour Day |url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-marks-labour-day-0 |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=Jordan Times |date=30 April 2018 |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507170556/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-marks-labour-day-0 |url-status=live }}

1 May known as the Workers' Day and is a public holiday. Left-wing parties and workers' unions organize marches on 1 May.{{cite news |title=Workers march against corruption for Labor Day |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2019/May-01/482235-workers-march-against-corruption-for-labor-day.ashx |work=The Daily Star (Lebanon) |access-date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501192140/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2019/May-01/482235-workers-march-against-corruption-for-labor-day.ashx |url-status=dead }}

1 May is known as Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite web |title=In the International Labour Day, National Society for Democracy and Law (NSDL) calls for providing the unemployed category with a decent life |work=The National Society for Democracy and Law |date=May 2014 |url=https://www.nsdl.org.ps/site/en/?p=1317 |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501201642/https://www.nsdl.org.ps/site/en/?p=1317 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mne.gov.ps/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=4&tabid=9&lng=1|title=وزارة الاقتصاد الوطني|access-date=16 October 2019|archive-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021071222/http://mne.gov.ps/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=4&tabid=9&lng=1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.iug.ps/bitstream/handle/20.500.12358/19409/file_1.pdf|website=www.iug.ps|access-date=2 May 2021|title=A Study to Establish Traffic Statistical Records in Gaza City, Palestine|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016182511/http://www.iug.ps/bitstream/handle/20.500.12358/19409/file_1.pdf|url-status=dead}}

1 May is known as Labour Day and is a public holiday.{{cite news |last1=al-Sabbagh |first1=Hazem |title=International Workers' Day marked with central event at Opera House |url=https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=76070 |website=Syrian Arab News Agency |date=1 May 2016 |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501054226/https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=76070 |url-status=live }}

{{Portal bar|Organized labour|Communism|Socialism|Holidays}}

• Workers' Memorial Day
• Pervomaysky (disambiguation)

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{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Foner |first=Philip Sheldon |title=May day: a short history of the international workers' holiday, 1886–1986 |url=https://archive.org/details/maydayshorthisto0000fone |url-access=registration |publisher=International Publishers |location=New York |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-7178-0624-9 }}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• [http://www.marxists.org/subject/mayday/index.htm May Day Archive] at the Marxists Internet Archive
• [https://www.litakelley.com/blog/boston-may-day-coalition-international-workers-day-rally-march/ Boston May Day Coalition International Workers' Day Rally & March ]

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{{Public holidays in Vietnam}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{Use Oxford spelling|date=March 2018}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}

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