May 1: history and traditions of the holiday

May 1 is celebrated under different names in many countries around the world, but everywhere the date is associated with the theme of labor. In Soviet times, it was International Workers’ Day. In modern Russia, May Day has become the Holiday of Spring and Labor. About the history of this date and how it is celebrated now – in the Kommersant information.

history of the holiday

On May 1, 1886, workers in the American city of Chicago organized a strike and rally demanding the introduction of an eight-hour working day. On May 4, when the police began to disperse the rally, an explosive device was thrown at the police line, as a result of which at least seven officers were killed. In response, the police opened fire on the crowd, killing, according to various sources, from four to six people. More than a hundred workers were injured.

In memory of these events, the Second International (an international association of workers’ parties) planned a strike in July 1889 for May 1 and declared this date as the Day of Solidarity of Workers of the World. In the Russian Empire, May 1 was first celebrated in 1890 in Warsaw (Kingdom of Poland). Later, actions began to be held in other cities; they were of a political nature, slogans were heard: “Down with autocracy!”, “Long live the republic!” After the February Revolution, May Day marches and demonstrations were held openly for the first time.

May 1 after the October Revolution

After the October Revolution, the holiday became a state holiday and was called International Day. In 1972, it was renamed International Workers’ Day – May Day. According to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, on this day Soviet citizens: “expressed their solidarity with the revolutionary struggle of the working people… and their determination to devote all their strength to the struggle for peace, for building a communist society.”

The holiday was celebrated for two days – May 1 became a day off in 1918, and May 2 – in 1928. In 1990, the last official May Day demonstration took place, after which an unofficial march of supporters of “democratic” forces took place under anti-Soviet slogans. In 1993, a May Day rally organized by the opposition led to clashes with riot police.

In modern Russia

Since 1992 in Russia this date has been called the “Festival of Spring and Labor”. In the early 2000s, they decided to shorten the holidays: only May 1st was fixed as a day off by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. On the eve of May 1, selected Russians are awarded the title of Hero of Labor. Demonstrations, folk festivals, fairs, car and motorcycle races, festivals and other events take place in Moscow and other cities.