On May 1, many countries around the world celebrate an international holiday – Labor Day (Spring and Labor Day). Initially, it was called International Workers’ Day. The May 1 holiday is officially adopted and celebrated by citizens in 142 states. In some countries, this celebration falls on the first Monday of the month of May.
In 2023, it just falls on Monday, on the occasion of the celebration in Russia a national holiday has been declared.
This date originates in the American city of Chicago. On May 1, 1886, American workers went on strike demanding an 8-hour day. The strike and accompanying demonstration ended in a bloody clash with the police. In July 1889, the Paris Congress of the Second International, in memory of the action of the workers, decided to hold annual demonstrations on May 1. For the first time the day of international solidarity of workers was celebrated in 1890 in Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, USA, Norway, France, Sweden and some other countries.
The holiday came to Russia after the October Revolution of 1917 and immediately acquired a national character. Citizens were supposed to go to demonstrations, honor labor and workers. In 1918, the first parade took place on Red Square. After another 10 years, the holiday became a national holiday. And on the second day of May, it was customary to arrange the so-called May Day meetings – meetings of workers in nature, at which the most pressing issues were discussed.
In 1990, the celebration received a new name – Spring and Labor Day. Since then, May 2 has ceased to be a holiday, and the traditions of May Day have changed.
Large-scale processions in honor of May 1 in Russia are practically a thing of the past. Now actions and rallies are organized only at the level of individual trade unions and organizations. However, these events are still dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and labor exploits.
For many Russians, the holiday of spring is an occasion to get out to the country and spend time with family.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
