International Workers’ Day is observed on May 1 in many countries.
The date commemorates the labor movement and is closely linked to the struggle for an eight-hour workday. May 1 became especially associated with the 1886 strikes in the United States, when workers demanded shorter hours. The Haymarket affair in Chicago on May 4, 1886, later became an important symbol of international labor activism.
Many countries call the holiday Labour Day, Workers’ Day, or a related name. It is often marked by marches, speeches, rallies, and public ceremonies. In some places, May 1 is also connected with spring traditions.
International Workers’ Day should not be confused with the U.S. Labor Day holiday, which is held on the first Monday in September. The two observances share labor-movement roots but use different dates.