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May 1 -International Labor Day
May 1st is celebrated as International Labor Day. The day marks the great contributions by the laborer community in this world. Also known as May Day, this day came into being as a result of labor movement. It is one of the most celebrated world holidays. Observed all over the world, International Labor Day is a timely reminder of social and economic achievements of workers. In some countries, this day is also called as International Workers Day whereas in some others, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September every year.
There is an interesting history behind origination of International Labor Day. On May 1, 1886, several Labor unions all over the US joined the forces and declared an infinite strike. Their primary demand was a workday of eight hours, eight hours of recreation and eight hours of rest to be accepted as a standard all over the US. Continued protests made authorities sit back and take notice of the grave situation. Ultimately the eight-hour work days were standardized all over the country and soon enough, other nations also followed the suit. Many countries including USA, UK and India etc have declared Labor Day as national holiday.
May Day is celebrated with much fanfare. Demonstrations, parades and speeches are organized. Many a times, workers utilize this day for pressing forward their long-pending demands through rallies. There is strong demand for better labor working conditions in developing countries. This is an eventful day in the national calendar of several countries. Political speeches are also made by labor union leaders for economic and social reforms. In countries like Canada, International Labor Day is marked with parades, picnics, fireworks displays, water activities, and public art events etc. Some of the European countries celebrate old rural festival on this day. It is also a cultural day.
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