El May 1th, known internationally as the Labor Day o International work day, is a day that pays tribute to the labor rights achieved by workers throughout history. Although it is an emblematic date in many countries, it is not celebrated equally around the world. Some commemorate it officially, others have moved it to different dates, and there are even countries where it is not recognized as a holiday.

In this article, we review which countries celebrate May 1st as Labor Day, which do so on other dates, and the differences in their meaning and commemoration.

Origin of May 1st: a fight for the 8-hour day

The history of May 1st dates back to United States in 1886, when workers began mass strikes to demand a maximum eight-hour workday. Under the slogan “Eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure and eight hours of rest", numerous demonstrations took place, some of them with tragic consequences such as the Haymarket Riot in Chicago.

In 1889, the Socialist Workers' Congress of the Second International proclaimed May 1st as a day of international protest. Since then, this date has been adopted by many countries as a symbol of workers' struggle and recognition of labor rights.

Which countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1st?

Among the countries that Yes, they officially commemorate May 1st are:

• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Germany,
• Portugal
• Russia (coincides with the “Day of the Russian Spring”)
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Colombia
• China
• India
• Greece
• Sweden
• Belgium
• Norway
• Finland

In many of these countries, it is a non-working day with protest, cultural, or union events. Some combine it with other festivities, as in France, where the Thrush Day, or in Italy, where a great concert in Rome on the occasion of May 1st since 1990.

And in which countries is May 1st not celebrated?

Curiously, the country in which the claim was born —United States—does not celebrate Labor Day on May 1. Instead, they commemorate the Labor Day the first Monday in September, a date established by the government as a less politically contentious alternative.

The same thing happens in:

• to Canada (first Monday of September)
• Australia, where each state celebrates it on a different date:
  • Queensland: May 1
  • Victoria and Tasmania: Second Monday in March
  • New South Wales, ACT, South Australia: First Monday in October
  • Western Australia: First Monday in March
• New Zealand: fourth Monday of October

In these countries, although the efforts of workers are celebrated, the date does not coincide with that of the rest of the world.

Different dates, same spirit

Although there is no single universal date, what is common in all countries that celebrate it is the recognition of the essential role of work in societyWhether it's May 1st or any other day on the calendar, Labor Day remains an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the labor market.