International May Day 2025: History and Significance of International Workers’ Day

International May Day 2025: Most countries across the globe observe May 1st as “May Day” or International Workers’ Day. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, however, this holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of May rather than May 1st. The Soviet Union officially recognized May Day in the 20th century, and many Communist countries observed it as International Workers’ Solidarity Day. During the Cold War, massive military parades showcasing the latest weaponry and public displays of support for the government were held on this day.

Interestingly, although May Day originated in the United States, the U.S. celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September. Some believe this change was made to avoid commemorating the violent 1886 labor riots. Moreover, May Day in the U.S. was opposed due to its association with communist and socialist movements. Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands also observe Labor Day on different dates due to varying historical origins in those regions.

May Day: A Brief Timeline

1886

May Day began to be celebrated as International Workers’ Day, symbolizing the global labor movement.

1894

The United States declared Labor Day a national holiday to honor workers’ contributions and achievements.

2014

In Turkey, authorities attempted to ban May Day rallies due to violence during previous protests.

2015

Despite official restrictions, clashes erupted between police and demonstrators marching toward Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

Significance of May Day in India

May Day is observed as a tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of workers. It is rooted in the late 19th-century American labor movement, when workers protested against harsh labor laws, poor working conditions, and excessively long work hours.

In 1886, during a peaceful protest in Chicago, police opened fire on the workers, killing at least two people. This led to a massive movement that eventually resulted in the U.S. officially recognizing the 8-hour workday in 1916.

India celebrated its first May Day in 1923. It was organized by Comrade Singaravelar in Chennai (then Madras) under the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, who also demanded that the day be declared a national holiday. Since then, May Day has been observed annually, with union leaders delivering speeches and cultural events being held. Schools, colleges, and offices typically remain closed.

International History of May Day

In 1886, workers in Chicago launched a general strike demanding an 8-hour workday. What began as a peaceful protest turned violent, as police opened fire and bombs were thrown into the crowd. Many workers were killed or injured. This event came to be known as the “Haymarket Affair” and became a global symbol of the struggle for labor rights.

In the years that followed, May Day was internationally recognized as a day of protest and labor demonstrations.

The First May Day in India

India’s first May Day celebration took place in 1923 in Chennai, where the red flag was used for the first time in Indian labor history. The event was led by Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, who demanded the day be declared a national holiday. In India, it is known as “Kamgar Diwas,” “International Workers’ Day,” or by different regional names across various states.

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Global Presence of May Day

May Day is celebrated worldwide. It is a public holiday in many European nations including Sweden, France, Poland, Finland, Norway, Spain, Germany, and Italy. In Latin America, countries such as Panama, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile celebrate it with great enthusiasm.

However, in the United States, Canada, and Australia, Labor Day is observed in different months.

Why the Differences?

USA and Canada

After the Haymarket incident, authorities moved Labor Day to September to disassociate it from socialist and anarchist movements.

Australia and New Zealand

Labor Day is celebrated on dates tied to local labor movement victories, each region with its own historical relevance.

UK and Ireland

The May Bank Holiday is primarily a spring festival, not directly linked to labor rights.

How Is May Day Celebrated?

In most countries, May Day is a national holiday. Events and seminars are held to highlight the achievements and contributions of workers. People also use the occasion to raise awareness about labor rights through posters, banners, and public rallies.

Why May Day Matters

International Workers’ Day is a symbol of respect for laborers and their struggles for rights. It is because of their long-standing movements that we now have minimum wages, regulated work hours, and paid leaves.

However, in recent years—particularly after the 2008 global economic crisis—working conditions have once again deteriorated. The rise of the gig economy has led to temporary jobs with minimal rights for workers. Therefore, unity among laborers remains just as important today.

Contemporary Observances

Even today, countries around the world observe May Day with various programs. In countries like South Africa, Tunisia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and China, it is a public holiday. In France, the UK, the USA, Greece, Japan, and Pakistan, rallies and protests are held in support of labor rights. The day offers workers an opportunity to rest and celebrate their achievements and struggles.

When Is International Workers’ Day 2025?

International Workers’ Day 2025 will be observed on Thursday, May 1st. This date has held historical significance since 1889, when the Second International Conference declared May 1st as Workers’ Day in honor of the Haymarket Affair and the demand for an 8-hour workday.

Since then, it has become an international occasion celebrated with rallies, parades, speeches, and cultural events.

Though the official theme for May Day 2025 has not yet been announced, it will be celebrated as a public holiday in most countries, though not in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, or the Netherlands. Still, the spirit of Labor Day—unity, justice, and progress—transcends borders and calendars, reminding us of the value of labor and the power of collective effort.