Meaning & Origin
Labour Day, or Tag der Arbeit, is a national holiday celebrated on May 1st to honor the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It is a historical holiday with its origins in the late 19th-century push for an eight-hour workday. In 1886, a general strike in the United States led to the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, which became a focal point for the international labor movement. In 1889, the International Socialist Conference in Paris declared May 1st as a day of protest and celebration for workers. In Germany, the holiday was formally recognized in 1933. Today, it remains a symbol of workers’ rights and solidarity.
Labour Day will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Friday, May 1.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | May 1 (Thursday) | All States |
| 2026 | May 1 (Friday) | All States |
How it’s Observed
May 1st is a nationwide public holiday, with all schools, offices, and most shops closed. The day is often marked by demonstrations, rallies, and speeches organized by trade unions, political parties, and other social groups. These events often draw large crowds and can sometimes lead to clashes with police, particularly in Berlin’s traditionally leftist neighborhoods. However, outside of these political events, the day also has a more festive, cultural side. The night before, April 30th, is Walpurgisnacht, or Witches’ Night, a tradition with pagan roots where bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits. On May 1st, many communities celebrate by raising a Maibaum (Maypole), a tradition that dates back to pagan times. The pole is often decorated with colorful ribbons and symbols of local crafts and guilds.
Vacation Planning
Since it falls on a fixed date, May 1st is a perfect Brückentag (bridge day) opportunity if it lands on a Thursday or Tuesday. By taking a day off, people can create a long weekend, which is a popular time for short trips. The combination of political demonstrations in major cities and traditional festivals in smaller towns offers a unique experience for travelers. You can choose to immerse yourself in the political landscape of a big city or enjoy the charming folk traditions of a small village.
| Vacation Dates | Used Paid leave | Included holiday | Total vacation days | Applicable States |
| 27th – 30th April | 4 | 1st May 2026 | 9 days | All states |