How does the world celebrate International Workers' Day?
(Baonghean.vn) - Every year, workers around the world come together to celebrate International Labor Day on May 1st. Many diverse forms have been organized by countries to celebrate this important holiday of workers. And the interesting thing is that not all countries celebrate on the exact date of May 1st.
 |
| Police block the movement of protesters near Taksim Square, Türkiye, May 2015. Photo: Internet |
In Germany
Like Vietnam, Germans celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1st. All workers and laborers have a day off on this occasion. Traditionally, people often wear a red carnation on their lapel. This habit originated from the demonstration on May 1st, 1890 - on that day, participants in the parade used red carnations as a sign to recognize each other.
In Russia
In Russia, since 1992, May 1st International Labor Day has been called Labor and Spring Day. On this day, all over Russia there are always bustling mass activities. The grand parades organized by the Communist Party of the Russian Federation at October Revolution Square in Moscow often have tens of thousands of participants.
 |
| March to celebrate International Labor Day in the capital city of Havana, Cuba. Photo: THX/TTXVN |
In Australia
In the land of the Kangaroos, International Workers' Day varies from region to region. On May 1, only some unions of the Socialist and Communist Party hold solemn celebrations for workers and laborers. But in the West, people choose March 4 for rest and fun. Meanwhile, Queensland and the North choose May 6. The capital Canberra, the big city Sydney and southern Australia choose October 7.
In Canada
Quebecers hold rallies to mark International Workers' Day every April 29. Thousands march down Avenue Viau, then flock to Maisonneuve Park to listen to speeches and watch performances.
In America
In January 1884, in the industrial city of Chicago, the American Federation of Trade Unions passed a resolution stating: “…From May 1, 1886, the working time of workers will be 8 hours/day”. For that reason, May 1 was chosen as the International Labor Day of the United States. Every year on this day, new contracts between employers and workers are signed. People across the United States often organize large-scale parades.
In the Netherlands
 |
| Activities to celebrate International Workers' Day in the Netherlands. Photo: Internet |
On May 1, people in Fribourg, a small state in the Netherlands, sing songs, share candy and give small change to children, believing that it is the first day of spring and doing so will bring good luck for the whole year. Normally, the Dutch still work on May 1, only some foreign companies and organizations allow their employees to take the day off.
In Japan
Japan does not celebrate International Workers' Day. However, during the first week of May, people take the day off from work and celebrate festivals.
In France
On May 1, 1891, a large demonstration of workers took place in the Fourmies region, Northern France. To quell the riot, the national army opened fire and shot dead 10 people, including a girl named Marie Blindeau, who was wearing a pure white outfit. To commemorate this event, the French chose the Lily of the Valley - a small white flower with a gentle fragrance, blooming on the first day of May - as the symbol and soul of May 1. Every year, on this occasion, the French excitedly decorate their houses and give their friends a bouquet of Lily of the Valley.
In Indonesia
 |
| Celebrating International Workers' Day in Jakarta (Indonesia). Photo: News.cn |
Starting from 2014, May 1st International Workers' Day in Indonesia has been recognized as a national holiday in this "country of thousands of islands". In the capital Jakarta, the Confederation of Indonesian Workers' Unions (KPSI) - one of the largest organizations of workers in this island nation organized rallies, marches and protests with the participation of more than 120,000 workers, 10,000 teachers and thousands of workers in the capital and about 20 provinces.
History has recorded that 130 years ago, on May 1, 1886, because their demands were not fully met, workers across the United States went on strike to put pressure on employers. From the first strike in Chicago with the banner "From today, no worker will work more than 8 hours a day! Must implement 8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest, 8 hours of play!", 5,000 strikes with 340,000 workers participating broke out across the United States. In Washington, New York, Baltimore, Boston…more than 125,000 workers won the right to work only 8 hours a day. The employers used many methods to sabotage the workers’ struggle. The consequences of this resulted in hundreds of workers being killed and injured, and many union leaders being arrested… On June 20, 1889, three years after the “tragedy” in Chicago, the Second International Communist decided to take May 1 every year as a day to demonstrate the strength and common struggle of the proletariat of all countries. Until now, May 1 International Labor Day is still considered a festival of workers in many countries. Many rights and policies continue to be requested to be improved and changed for workers around the world on this occasion every year. |
Ha Chi
| RELATED NEWS |
|---|
.jpg "Trang trọng Lễ kỷ niệm 233 năm ngày mất Hoàng đế Quang Trung")
.jpg "Tọa đàm kỷ niệm 45 năm thành lập Nhà Xuất bản Nghệ An")
