On May 1st, countries around the world observe International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day or May Day, to honor the struggles and achievements of labor movements.
The origins of International Workers’ Day trace back to the late 19th century, commemorating the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where workers rallied for an eight-hour workday. The Second International, a federation of socialist and labor parties, designated May 1st as a day to honor laborers’ struggles and success.
In Greece, May Day combines seasonal customs with modern labor activism. While the day is officially a public holiday, it is also a time when trade unions organize strikes and demonstrations, particularly in Syntagma Square.
The first Grecian May Day was celebrated in Athens in 1890, organized by advocacy groups. Since then, it has become a significant day for labor unions and political activists to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. Now, it’s observed as a national holiday, with many public services and businesses closing and peaceful protests in the streets. Public transport often pauses in reflection of both celebration and a day of protest. But the day’s significance doesn’t stop there.
May 1st, also coined “Protomagia,” is dually celebrated as a spring festival. Historically, it marked the victory of summer over winter, suggesting renewal and the rebirth of nature. In commemoration, some families may craft flower wreaths from wildflowers and hang them on doors to welcome the new season.
Regional customs vary, adding further color to the holiday. In Corfu, young men parade through villages with a flower-decorated cypress trunk called the Mayoxilo, singing traditional songs. In Kozani’s village of Vlasti, children collect oak branches and dance on hillsides in a ritual known as “catching May.” On the eve of May Day, in some communities, people gather around bonfires and children jump over the flames, an act meant to symbolize the transition into Spring.
Internationally, May Day is recognized in over 90 countries. In France, strict labor laws prohibit most businesses from operating, leading to controversies such as the recent case of a Parisian bakery facing a hefty fine for opening on May 1st. Elsewhere, from Havana to Manila, the day features large-scale demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.
