HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND TO ALL!
Some fun facts about Labor Day & who & how it is celebrated all over the world!
This weekend is Labor Day weekend in the U.S. this year. Labor Day 2025 falls on Monday, September 1, so the long weekend runs Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1.
As for who celebrates it — Americans aren’t alone, but the September version is pretty rare.
United States & Canada both mark Labor Day (or Labour Day) on the first Monday in September.
Most of the world celebrates a similar workers’ holiday on May 1, known as International Workers’ Day or May Day. Over 100 countries — from France, Germany, and Brazil to India, South Africa, and Australia — observe it then. - The meaning is broadly similar everywhere: honoring the labor movement and the contributions of workers, though traditions and timing vary.
Here’s some world information of “Labour Day” / “Workers’ Day” dates so you can see how differently countries place it through the year12.
🌍 Region / Country 📅 Date in 2025 📝 Notes & Traditions
United States Mon, Sept 1 Parades, barbecues, end‑of‑summer celebrations
Canada Mon, Sept 1 Similar to U.S., often marks back‑to‑school season
UK Mon, May 5 (Early May Bank Holiday) Mix of spring festivals & workers’ rights events
Most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) Thu, May 1 Marches, rallies, concerts; rooted in labor movement
Australia Varies by state (e.g., Oct 6 in ACT, NSW, SA) Commemorates 8‑hour workday movement
New Zealand Mon, Oct 27 Public holiday with community events
China Thu, May 1 Part of a multi‑day “Golden Week” holiday
Brazil Thu, May 1 Parades, concerts, political speeches
South Africa Thu, May 1 Public rallies, cultural performances
Japan No single “Labour Day” — has Labour Thanksgiving Day on Nov 23 Focus on gratitude for work and production
Russia Thu, May 1 (Spring and Labour Day) Parades, political gatherings
Finland Apr 30–May 1 (Vappu) Student cap ceremonies, champagne picnics, workers’ marches
Sweden Apr 30–May 1 (Valborg & May Day) Bonfires, choral singing, rallies
💡 Pattern:
May 1 dominates globally — tied to the 19th‑century labor movement and the Haymarket affair in Chicago.
September is mainly U.S. & Canada.
October/November dates appear in countries with their own labor history milestones.