May 1st – a day that smells like spring, sounds like protest chants, and in some places, echoes with the rhythmic beat of folk dancing. It’s a curious holiday: for some it means marching for workers’ rights, for others it’s a chance to welcome spring with ribbons, maypoles and music.

Quick History: From Protest to Public Holiday

The roots of May 1st as Labour Day go back to the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, when workers went on strike demanding an 8-hour workday. The peaceful protest turned violent, and several demonstrators lost their lives. But their cause lived on.

In 1889, the International Socialist Congress declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day, to honour those who fought—and sometimes died—for better working conditions. Since then, the date has been adopted worldwide as a symbol of solidarity, rights, and dignity in labour.

Celebrating Around the World: One Date, Many Faces

While May Day has similar roots, its expression varies across the globe. Here’s how it’s marked in some English-speaking countries:

United Kingdom

In the UK, May Day combines ancient spring customs and modern labour themes. Traditionally, the day was celebrated with maypole dancing, flower festivals, and even "crowning the May Queen". It’s also a bank holiday, often observed on the first Monday in May. Trade unions sometimes hold rallies, though less so than in mainland Europe.

United States

Interestingly, while the holiday began in the U.S., Labour Day is celebrated in September, not May. May 1st in the U.S. is more often associated with immigrant rights marches or leftist activism, and is not a national public holiday.

Canada

Like its southern neighbour, Canada celebrates Labour Day in September, although some workers’ groups mark May 1st with protests or rallies. Spring festivals, however, are less prominent.

Australia & New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in various states and regions. May Day events exist in some parts—particularly in Queensland and the Northern Territory—where May 1st is still an official day for labour parades and marches.

Dancing Into Spring: Maypoles and Traditions

While the day has a strong political undertone, May Day also has ancient pre-industrial roots. In many cultures, it marked the beginning of the fertile season, a time of renewal, growth, and celebration.

• Maypole dancing, particularly in England, involves weaving ribbons around a tall wooden pole – a symbol of vitality and nature.
• Flower garlands, music, and rural festivals are part of the folk celebrations still seen in some villages today.
• In the Celtic tradition, May 1st was known as Beltane, a fire festival marking the beginning of summer.

In short: May 1st is both serious and joyful – a mix of spring, spirit, and solidarity.

From Ribbons to Rights

Today, May 1st is still celebrated as a public holiday in many countries around the world. It’s a day for:

• reflecting on workers' rights,
• appreciating social progress,
• or simply enjoying nature and a day off.

Whether you're raising a sign at a rally or a glass at a picnic, this day has something for everyone. And maybe that’s its true power: it brings people together – not just in protest, but in purpose.