International Labor Day, also known as Mayday, is an annual holiday celebrated all around the world. The day is commemorated around the world to celebrate all workers’ contributions.
The day has a different theme each year. This year’s highly important day, like every previous year, has a distinctive theme. This year’s theme is- “HEALTH AND SAFETY IS A FUNDAMENTAL WORKERS’ RIGHT“
When is May Day?
Labor Day is observed in more than 160 nations, and May 1 is a national holiday in many of them. The first Monday in September is a holiday in the United States and Canada. The first Monday after May 1 is a holiday in some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Origins of May Day
To memorialize tragic events that occurred in 1886 during a demonstration in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, the first day of May was designated as Labor Day. This incident is known as the Haymarket Affair, and despite the fact that it occurred in the United States, it continues to symbolize Labour Day and the importance of the working class around the world.
It needs to be noted that in many parts of Europe, 1st May is also observed as a pagan celebration. Its origins as a holiday date back to the Gaelic Beltane.
Every year, many events, rallies, and programs are held to commemorate the significance of the day. You could spend the day visiting various events on labor rights and struggles. If you’re lucky enough to get some extra time on this particular day, take advantage of it. Pushpita Karim writes.
Let’s have a look at some of the counties that are celebrating International Workers Day or Mayday.
UK
As Labor Day has its origins in the labor union movement, the United Kingdom also celebrates the day to respect the workers. In the United Kingdom, this day is celebrated by everyone to encourage workers to be aware of their rights.
Most people attend International Labor Day parades to celebrate the day. On the first of May, banks, post offices, and a variety of other businesses and organizations are closed in the UK. Stores and taverns, on the other hand, are normally seen opened.
Ireland
In some Ireland villages, fairs or communal feasts are held. In large cities, like Dublin, some people attend International Labor Day parades, marches, and celebrations. Trade unions, political parties, and social justice groups from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland frequently attend these events.
These events could take place on May 1st or other near dates. Parades and marches also take place as a part of celebrating the workers’ rights. Sometimes the parades may also cause some traffic congestion in the area.
Mexico
Workers and students in Mexico usually get the day off on “Dia Del Trabajo” which means Labor Day is a national holiday. People normally take a day off to relax and roam around. However, in Mexico City, marches form as a part of celebrating the workers’ rights.
Asian countries
Most Asian countries celebrate the day of labor in full swing. In India, the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan organized the first formal observance of Labour Day on May 1, 1923, in Chennai (now known as Madras). Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal celebrate it as a holiday. Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, etc all observe the International Labor Day. Various marches and parades happen to observe the day.
Turkey
Turkey observes the day as Labour and Solidarity Day. In Turkey, the International Labor Day has come through many ups and downs. Tobacco and cotton workers organized the first Workers’ Day celebrations in the Ottoman Empire in 1911 in Thessaloniki, while the first celebrations in Istanbul took place in 1912. Later, the holiday was canceled and celebrations were outlawed across Turkey after the military takeover in September 1980. President Erdogan declared May 1st a national holiday in 2010 and lifted the ban on gatherings in Taksim Square. The following two years saw May Day celebrations at Taksim Square go forward without a hitch. Later, due to security concerns raised by a contentious building project in Taksim Square, the restriction was reintroduced in 2013. Protests on May Day, the worldwide workers’ holiday, are held every year in Turkey, and in the past, police have used force against demonstrators.
